By Christopher Iyang
The Inclusive Forum for Accountable Society (IFAS) has condemned the assault of two young women in Calabar, describing the incident as an act of mob justice and calling for an immediate investigation into everyone involved, including a member of the Cross River State House of Assembly fingered in the role.
In a press statement signed by Barrister James Ibor on behalf of IFAS Cross River State, the Forum noted that the two women were tracked to their homes, assaulted, filmed and compelled to recant alleged defamatory statements made online before being handed over to law enforcement agencies.
The Accountability Forum expressed concern that the incident reportedly occurred at the residence of Hon. Cyril James Omini, a member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, and warned that the development could encourage similar acts of violence.
IFAS said Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to dignity and freedom from torture, stressing that no individual should be subjected to humiliation or violence, regardless of the allegations against them.
According to IFAS, Nigeria already has legal provisions addressing offences such as defamation and cyberstalking, and anyone accused of such offences should be investigated and prosecuted through the courts rather than subjected to mob action.
They criticized Hon. Omini over his earlier announcement of a five million (5,000,000) reward for information that would reveal the identities of those allegedly behind defamatory online posts, arguing that the reward may have encouraged unlawful actions.
IFAS further expressed concern over what it described as the slow response of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), saying the alleged inaction could embolden further incidents of mob justice.
The group called on security agencies to immediately investigate and prosecute all persons found culpable while ensuring that the rights of accused persons are protected in accordance with the law.
It warned against allowing the justice system to be replaced by mob actions, insisting that all allegations of criminal conduct should be handled through lawful and constitutional processes.
Short Link:
Leave feedback about this