By Chinedu Itah
A call for transparency and respect of human rights in the discharge of justice on the 67 gay suspects arrested in Ekpan, Delta State recently had been.made by the Debate and Development Resource Center – Nigeria (DEDERC).
The Country Director of DEDERC Nigeria, Comrade Jerry Nwigwe stated this in response to the report of the arrest of 67 gay suspects
in Ekpan, Delta State, by Delta State Police Command.
He charged the Police authorities to ensure they are speedily charged to court without prolonging their detention in the Police custody and also to ensure they all have access to their Lawyers.
He appealed to the National Human Rights Commission to facilitate legal aides support through the NBA or other bodies to ensure those who cannot afford legal fees during the process have legal representation.
He pointed out that Nigeria is signatory to different international human rights instruments, especially the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and therefore the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court or tribunal should be guaranteed and respected.
This statement was made available to the media on 30th August 2023 in Abuja by DEDERC Nigeria.
