The Human Rights Pathfinders Association (HURPA) has condemned the continued detention of Comrade John Paul of Emu-Ebendo by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State over a statement allegedly considered offensive to the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme.

In a statement made available to journalists, HURPA described the prolonged detention as a violation of the fundamental human rights of the activist, insisting that due process must be followed in handling the matter.

According to the association, if the statement credited to Comrade John Paul was truly offensive or against any law, the appropriate step should be to formally charge him to court instead of subjecting him to continuous detention.

“HURPA believes that if the statement is offensive, the right thing is to charge him to court rather than this continuous detention. To us, this violates his fundamental human rights,” the statement read.

The group further called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to direct the Commissioner of Police in Delta State to either release Comrade John Paul immediately or arraign him before a competent court in line with the provisions of the law.

The organization warned against abuse of power and urged law enforcement authorities to respect the rule of law and constitutional rights of citizens.
“We use this medium to call on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to direct the Commissioner of Police to release Comrade John Paul or charge him to court in line with relevant laws rather than taking laws into your hands. Let it be clear that no one is above the law,” HURPA stated.

The incident has continued to generate reactions among civil society groups and residents, with many calling for adherence to democratic principles, freedom of expression, and respect for human rights in the state.