Education

Alleged Assault: DELSU SUG Demands Immediate Removal Of Abraka DPO, Speaks On Looming Protests

The leadership of the Students’ Union Government at Delta State University, Abraka, has demanded the immediate removal of the Abraka Divisional Police Officer, SP. Ayameh Fabian over allegations of brutality, extortion and unprofessional conduct.

In an opened letter addressed to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, the student union specifically demanded the removal of the DPO within the next 72 hours, failure to which the students will embark on mass protests that will grind all commercial activities in the university.

The three-page letter, jointly signed by the SUG President, Comr. Augustine Onovughegor and Secretary General, Comr. Etim Bassey, detailed a series of grievances against SP Fabian, accusing him of misconduct that undermines public trust and violates human rights.

The student body decried that the DPO has become a nightmare to students and other residents of the university town, accusing him of unlawful detention, extortion, physical assault and disregard for human rights among others.

The SUG’s letter cited last night’s incident during which Fabian and his officers allegedly assaulted the SUG President and other officials during an attempt to secure the release of detained students.

DELSU Echo reports that tear gas and threats of violence were reportedly used to disperse students who had gathered peacefully to demand answers.

The letter partly read: “SP Fabian is an Embarrassment to the Nigeria Police Force and should be transferred with immediate effect from Abraka Police Division and if possible charged to court so he can answer all his atrocities in Abraka”, the letter stated.

“How could a DPO ignorantly open fire and tease-gas harmless students who came to demand for the release of their SUG President not minding the offence?

“How could SP Fabian beat up the SUG President because he came to inquire about Delsu students who were arrested? He even threatened to kill and deal with the students mercilessly.

“What is the Nigeria police still doing with this lawbreaker call SP Fabian? Does it mean the godfatherism in Nigeria politics is still in the Nigeria Police force? Who is Fabian Godfather? That Transferring from Abraka is becoming so difficult, a man who doesn’t even deserve to be in the Police force, he is a tyrant, he ought to be arrested and investigated properly, that’s the best solution if not he would go out there and still continue his corrupt practice.

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“It is sufficient to state that SP. Fabian is not the only DPO in the State neither is he the first DPO to be posted to Abraka as his complaints are becoming worrisome and a nightmare to residents of the Abraka Police Division,

“Kindly transfer him now, the hardship in our society is getting out of control, transfer him now, so those raiding of innocent citizens would stop. Instead of chasing criminals like other DPOs do, SP. Fabian’s hobbies is oppression and intimidation.

“Who did we offend in the police force that they have to send us SP Fabian as punishment for our sin? I guess is time we apologize to that person so he can take him back.”

The Allegations

“The DPO’s actions have consistently demonstrated a blatant disregard for human rights, the rule of law, and professional ethics.

“Specifically: 1. Unlawful detentions: SP Fabian has arbitrarily detained students and community members on trumped-up charges, often without evidence or due process.

“2. Extortion: He has extorted bail fees of up to #500,000 for minor offenses, exploiting vulnerable individuals and perpetuating corruption.

“3. Physical assault: SP Fabian has physically assaulted students, including the SUG President, with impunity, fostering a culture of fear and intimidation.

“4. Disregard for human rights: He has consistently ignored human rights and the rule of law, undermining trust between law enforcement and the community.

“5. Unprofessional conduct: SP Fabian’s actions have compromised the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force, eroding public confidence.

“On November 20, 2024, our SUG President and officers visited the police station to bail out detained students.

“SP Fabian and his officers responded with: – Verbal abuse and harassment – Physical assault on the SUG President – Unlawful detention of SUG officials.

The Demands and Ultimatum

“In light of these findings, we demand:

“1. Immediate Removal: SP Fabian’s removal as DPO of Abraka Police Division within 72 hours.

“2. Investigation: A thorough investigation into SP Fabian’s conduct and activities.

“3. Prosecution: Appropriate disciplinary action and prosecution for any wrongdoing.

“4. Reinforced Partnership: Strengthened collaboration between the university administration, SUG, and law enforcement agencies.

Likely Action

Failure to act, the SUG warned, would lead to mass protests and a shutdown of commercial activities in Abraka.

“We will shutdown of commercial activities in Abraka

“A Mass protests by students and community members will rock the streets

“We will explore all lawful avenues to protect our students’ interests and rights. We urge you to take immediate action to address these allegations, ensure justice for victims, and restore public trust.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, has called on institutions of learning in Nigeria to promote national development through training their students to become champions of justice, inclusiveness and accountability.

The Vice-Chancellor made this call in Oleh Campus on Monday while responding to the public presentation of the book “Justice is for All: Legal Essays in Honour of Professor Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga”.