A civil society organisation, Citizens for Justice and Accountability in Governance (CJAG), has called for an urgent and comprehensive investigation into claims by four suspects alleging attempts to coerce them into falsely implicating Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in the 2023 fire incident at the Rivers State House of Assembly complex.
The suspects — Chime Ezebalike, Kenneth Kpasa, MacPherson Olumini, and Oladele Lukman — recently revealed that they were pressured to make false confessions linking Ehie to the arson. Reacting to the claims, CJAG described the development as a disturbing abuse of power and a threat to democratic principles.
Speaking in a statement on Friday, CJAG President, Stephen Emmanuel, said the suspects’ accounts suggest a coordinated effort to manipulate justice and intensify the political crisis in the state.
“This is no longer just about arson,” Emmanuel stated. “It is now about a deliberate attempt to destroy reputations, mislead security agencies, and sway public opinion for political gain.”
He described the allegations — which include illegal detention, blindfolding, bribery attempts, and threats — as a gross violation of human rights and legal standards.
“We are in a democracy, not a jungle,” he said. “Those behind this criminal attempt to frame Mr. Ehie must be held accountable. The masterminds must be identified and prosecuted.”
CJAG disclosed it has petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the National Human Rights Commission, calling for an immediate probe into the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ arrests and the alleged coercion.
The group also urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that justice is not compromised.
“We cannot allow anyone, regardless of their position, to weaponize the justice system for political vendettas,” Emmanuel warned. “If this is part of a wider plot to silence Edison Ehie or destabilise Governor Fubara’s administration, it must be exposed and stopped.”
CJAG further called on the Inspector-General of Police to launch an internal investigation into the role of the Federal Intelligence Response Team (F-IRT), which the suspects claim was involved in their alleged maltreatment.
According to Emmanuel, the continued politicisation of the Rivers crisis poses a threat to national stability.
“This goes beyond Rivers State,” he added. “It is about justice, accountability, and the soul of our democracy. The rule of law must prevail, and scapegoating innocent individuals for political battles must end.”
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