The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) is alarmed by the blatant abuse
of power and obstruction of justice in the ongoing land fraud case involving Rebecca Omokamo
Godwin Isaac, also known as Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu.
At the heart of this scandal is the shocking mistreatment of 79-year-old widow, Collen Mero Yesufu,
who has fought tirelessly for justice despite relentless obstruction.
The actions, or inactions, of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, raised serious concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s law enforcement system. By allegedly shielding Bilikisu from lawful arrest and prosecution, the IGP is not only violating his duty but actively undermining justice.
Extensive investigative reports from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and the Department of Development Control
provide undeniable evidence of forgery, criminal trespass, fraud, and obtaining by false pretence.
Yet, despite clear court orders mandating forfeiture, Bilikisu continues to illegally occupy Plot 4022,
Guzape District, Abuja, is protected by armed police deployed under the IGP’s directive.
This disturbing scenario echoes the widely criticized obstruction of former Governor Yahaya Bello’s
attempted arrest by the EFCC. Once again, law enforcement officers have been weaponized to shield
a suspect instead of delivering justice.
CHRICED’s Position is Clear: Justice Must Prevail
The unlawful police protection granted to Bilikisu violates multiple sections of Nigerian law, including:
- Section 126 of the Criminal Code Act, which criminalizes obstruction of lawful processes,
punishable by up to two years in prison. - Section 97 of the Penal Code, which holds public servants accountable for failing to apprehend
suspects when legally required to do so. - Section 104 of the Penal Code, which punishes abuse of office that prejudices citizens’ rights.
- Section 518 of the Criminal Code, which criminalizes conspiracy to obstruct justice.
Court rulings reinforce these laws:
- Duru v. FRN (2013) confirmed obstruction of law enforcement is a criminal act.
- FRN v. Orji Kalu (2021) established that abuse of office carries severe consequences.
- FRN v. Dariye (2015) ruled that public officers who obstruct justice must be held accountable.
CHRICED Demands Immediate Action
In light of these glaring violations, CHRICED calls for immediate interventions:
- Withdrawal of all police officers illegally deployed to protect Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu at Plot
4022, Guzape District, Abuja. If this illegal protection persists, CHRICED will escalate legal
challenges, including public interest litigation, formal petitions, and mass civic action. - Uncompromised EFCC intervention: The commission must resist intimidation and ensure that
justice is served without interference. - A firm judicial response: Nigerian courts must reject delay tactics and uphold justice without
compromise. - A high-level investigation: The National Assembly, Police Service Commission (PSC), and
Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) must immediately probe the IGP’s complicity and hold all guilty
officers accountable. - Presidential intervention: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must act swiftly to end the erosion
of public trust in Nigeria’s justice system and restore faith in law enforcement. It is outrageous
that the very office charged with pursuing criminals is now serving as a refuge for criminal
suspects.
CHRICED remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rights of vulnerable citizens and
challenging every abuse of power that undermines justice.
We call on all stakeholders, civil society, the media, and the international community, to monitor this case closely and ensure that justice prevails over power and privilege.
