By Frank Ulom
IKOM (CONVERSEER) – The Citizens’ Solution Network has petitioned the Cross River State Police Command over the detention of a young woman, Ms Arit Etim Ukorebi, who was accused of stealing ₦16 million from her employer.
In a letter dated 6 September and addressed to the Commissioner of Police in Calabar, the organisation called for an investigation into the matter while demanding that the fundamental human rights of the accused be respected.
According to the petition signed by its Country Director, Mr Richard Inoyo, Ms Ukorebi, a staff of D’fun Enterprise in Ikom, was arrested following a complaint by her employer, identified as Mrs Funke, the owner of the company.
The petitioners alleged that police personnel at Okuni Police Station in Ikom have denied the young woman access to her family since her detention on Friday. They further claimed that she had been cut off from taking calls or communicating with her relatives.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, the group stressed that investigations must be conducted within the provisions of the law, without torture, intimidation, or any form of rights violation.
“We are asking that the young girl should not be tortured or brutalised in the name of investigation. We are calling on the police leadership to ask the personnel in Okuni Police Station to uphold the Anti-Torture Act of 2017,” part of the petition read.
The organisation urged the Commissioner of Police to ensure that Ms Ukorebi is granted access to her family and that the case is handled in line with due process.
As of press time, the police were yet to issue an official response to the petition.
