A human rights group, The Democratic And Human Rights Centre (TDHRC) has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba to investigate threats to the life of Airforce officer, MWO Michael Oyebanji and also provide security for him and that of his family members.
TDHRC in a petition signed by Comrade Alaba Adebisi and addressed to the Inspector General of Police, a copy of which was available to our correspondent alleged that the life of MWO Michael Oyebanji is being threatened by some unknown callers.
According to the group, since MWO Michael Oyebanji regained his freedom from Makurdi Correctional Centre on February 18, 2022, he has been receiving threats from unknown callers.
“For your information Sir, since the release of MWO Michael Oyebanji from the Correctional Centre in Makurdi on February 18, 2022 and his attempts to legally seek justice for what he called ‘illegal incarceration and conviction’, which is within the ambit of the law and fundamental human rights, he has been receiving calls from unknown callers who from the Month of August to September, 2022 have been threatening him and that of his family.
It added: “The unknown callers with hidden numbers have been calling and threatening MWO Michael Oyebanji not to further continue and withdraw the cases he already instituted against the Nigerian Airforce (NAF), 151 Base Services Group Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Makurdi and Correctional Service in Makurdi.”
Speaking further, the group stated that as one of the various human rights groups seeking justice for MWO Michael Oyebanji, it is appealing to the IGP to provide security for MWO Michael Oyebanji and his family who according to the group are now in hiding.
“As a human rights group that has been following the case, we want to equally inform you that MWO Michael Oyebanji was arrested and kept in the guardroom from May 31, 2019 till March 30, 2021, with reference no (151/BSG/305) and (151/BSG/322 HQ). He spent 678 days in the guardroom of Air Police Provost Squadron NAF Base Makurdi, under unpalatable condition before he was sentenced by the General Court Martial.”
It added: “It is this incarceration and conviction by the General Court Martial of the Nigerian Airforce (NAF) for alleged misappropriation of Cooperative fund that MWO Michael Oyebanji is now challenging in courts and which is now the subject of threats by unknown callers.”
“Lastly sir, we are appealing to you by the oath of office you took and the powers conferred on you by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to protect all and sundry. Please ensure protection of the life of MWO Michael Oyebanji and that of his family.”