Group Cautions Police Against Actions Capable of Undermining Judicial Process
Talakawa Parliament has expressed concern over the continued invitation of Prince Terry Ogbeni by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 5, Benin City, in connection with a matter that is already before the High Court of Edo State, Benin City.
The organisation described the latest police invitation as unnecessary and potentially intimidating, particularly given that Prince Ogbeni has instituted a fundamental rights enforcement action against the police and other respondents over his previous arrest and detention.
In an official press statement signed by its Spiritual Leader, Marxist Kola Edokpayi, Talakawa Parliament disclosed that Prince Ogbeni was arrested and detained between February 18 and 19, 2026, by officers of the Anti-Narcotics Section, Zone 5, Benin City, following a petition allegedly initiated by some individuals from Uhogua community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The organisation said its national leadership was physically present during the incident to support Prince Ogbeni and ensure his eventual release from custody.
Following the incident, Prince Ogbeni reportedly approached the High Court of Edo State, Benin City, through a Fundamental Rights Enforcement action in Suit No. B/128M/2026, against the Nigeria Police Force and other respondents, including the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5; Superintendent Blessing Uduebor, Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Narcotics Section; and other individuals connected with the matter.
However, Talakawa Parliament said it was particularly disturbed by another invitation allegedly issued to Prince Ogbeni by Inspector Agbede on October 29, 2026, requesting his appearance before the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Narcotics Section on October 30 over substantially the same subject matter.
The organisation questioned the necessity of the fresh invitation while the fundamental rights dispute remains pending before a court of competent jurisdiction.
While acknowledging that the pendency of a court case does not automatically strip the police of their statutory investigative powers, Talakawa Parliament maintained that such powers must be exercised responsibly, professionally and in strict compliance with the law.
It argued that where a citizen has approached the court to seek redress over alleged violations of his fundamental rights arising from a particular controversy, any further police action relating to the same circumstances must be justified by a clear and legitimate investigative necessity.
According to the group, the police must not create the impression that their institutional authority is being deployed to intimidate, frustrate or discourage citizens from exercising their constitutional right to seek judicial redress.
Talakawa Parliament warned that the continued invitations could create an atmosphere of apprehension and raise legitimate questions about the relationship between police investigative powers and the constitutional protection of citizens' rights.
The organisation also acknowledged the reported intervention of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, AIG Monday Agbonika, who allegedly directed that the relevant case files be forwarded to his office for examination.
It urged all officers involved to respect the administrative process initiated by the AIG and avoid further actions capable of escalating tensions or creating unnecessary controversy.
GROUP OUTLINES DEMANDS
Consequently, Talakawa Parliament called on the AIG, Zone 5, to urgently examine the circumstances surrounding the latest invitation issued to Prince Ogbeni and determine whether the action was necessary and consistent with established police procedures.
It also urged the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Narcotics Section and the investigating police officers to exercise restraint and avoid unnecessary invitations concerning issues already submitted for judicial determination.
The organisation further appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that no officer uses the authority of the Nigeria Police Force to intimidate citizens seeking justice, while calling on the Police Service Commission to investigate any substantiated allegations of professional misconduct or abuse of office.
It maintained that all parties should allow the High Court to examine the fundamental rights questions presented before it without actions capable of prejudicing public confidence in the judicial process.
A CITIZEN MUST NOT BE PUNISHED FOR SEEKING JUSTICE
Reaffirming its position, Talakawa Parliament declared that it would not accept a situation in which citizens are made to feel vulnerable or intimidated simply because they have chosen to approach a court of competent jurisdiction.
The organisation stressed that the Nigeria Police Force is a constitutionally recognised institution whose powers and responsibilities are regulated by law, adding that law enforcement must be guided by professionalism, accountability, fairness and respect for human rights.
It warned that public confidence in the police could be undermined if citizens begin to perceive police invitations and investigative procedures as instruments of personal vendetta or private persecution.
"A citizen must not be punished for seeking justice," the organisation declared, insisting that the rule of law must remain supreme and that no institution should place itself above judicial scrutiny.
Talakawa Parliament concluded by demanding professionalism, restraint, institutional discipline and respect for the judicial process, reiterating its commitment to defending the rights and interests of ordinary citizens.
The statement was signed by Marxist Kola Edokpayi, Spiritual Leader of Talakawa Parliament, which describes itself as the voice of the oppressed and the conscience of the people.
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