Mudashiru Lukman, the legislator representing Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has submitted a complaint regarding the Nigeria Police’s failure to compensate Adetola Abdulazeez for the violation of her fundamental human rights. Abdulazeez, a resident of Iwo in the Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State, was physically assaulted by police personnel during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown.
Abdulazeez took legal action against the Nigeria Police and the Inspector-General of Police before a Federal High Court in Osogbo to enforce her fundamental human rights. In 2021, the court determined that the police had indeed violated her rights as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution. The court awarded her the sum of N2 million as exemplary damages and N3 million as general damages.
Despite numerous notices from the victim over the past three years, the police have failed to fulfill the judgment sum. In a letter dated January 30 and addressed to Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lukman sought and obtained approval from the House to present the petition for legislative intervention.
Lukman, speaking to reporters, expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s handling of the case from its inception in court. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the victim receives the compensation mandated by the court of competent jurisdiction, stating that the police’s failure to comply with a judicial pronouncement is unacceptable for a law enforcement agency.
Asserting that assault on anyone is condemnable, Lukman highlighted the added condemnation when such acts are perpetrated against women. He expressed confidence that the House leadership would use its legislative powers through the petition, stating that he would leave no stone unturned to secure justice for the victim.
The petition will be examined by the House Committee on Human Rights, with the hearing date yet to be scheduled.