A human rights group, Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development, FENRAD has applauded the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Janet Agbede over the arrest one one Cpl. Nwachukwu Chinedu who allegedly raped Abia State Polytechnic student.
In a statement on Saturday, FENRAD through its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor and Head Corporate Accountability and Human Rights Enforcement, Barr. Akande Femisi appealed to the police boss to ensure proper investigation and prosecution of the suspect.
While noting that the suspect police officer is not attached to the Rapid Response unit of the Nigerian police, the Foundation urged the unit to continue maintaining rules of engagement in its operations.
It also appealed to the students of the Polytechnic to remain calm and law abiding while the police authorities discreetly handle case of their colleague’s rape.
It says, “FENRAD wishes to state that, based on current development, the accused officer is Cpl. Nwachukwu Chinedu. FENRAD also thanks the Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Jane Agbede for her timely intervention into the matter as a mother who was once a young lady. However, the Foundation still insists that justice, like the commissioner had vowed to ensure, is done and that if found guilty, the accused be not spared.
“While understanding that the accused is not attached to RRS as earlier reported, FENRAD urges the RRS to, in its operations and conduct of same, ensure the rules of engagement are followed. The Foundation further condemns the shooting by the unit to scare or disperse protesting students.
“FENRAD calls on the students to be law abiding and to observe the tentative holiday the authority has ordered.
“While the status quo remains thus, FENRAD calls on the commissioner of police, the state government and school authorities to ensure that investigation is thorough and true.
“The Foundation commends the police for swinging into operation and fishing out the suspect. It also urges that everything be done so that the rape victim gets justice that is commensurate and appropriate.”
