Spread the word
The Human Rights Defenders (HURIDE) in Ebonyi state has cautioned against what it described as growing allegations and personal attacks against the state Commissioner of Police, Hope Urunwa Okafor.
It said claims of misconduct must be supported by verifiable evidence.
The allegations reportedly involve over N3 million in bail payments, alleged relationships with political figures, an administrative transfer dispute and claims of weekly levies on heads of units and departments in the state police command.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Dr Sampson Oko Nweke, HURIDE expressed concern that individuals reportedly questioned over the allegations are yet to provide convincing evidence to substantiate their claims.
The group urged the public not to mistake repeated accusations for established facts, adding that accountability must be pursued through credible evidence, lawful procedures and impartial investigations.
It also stated that suggestions of political motives behind the allegations must be established by evidence rather than speculation.
HURIDE called on anyone with verifiable evidence of misconduct to present it to the appropriate authorities, while urging the media and the public to avoid spreading unsubstantiated claims capable of damaging reputations and undermining public confidence in institutions.
The group said it neither supported impunity nor endorsed the persecution of public officers through unsubstantiated allegations.
It added that Okafor, like every public official, was entitled to a fair hearing and the presumption of innocence while the allegations remained unproven.
“Let evidence, not political hostility or public speculation, determine the truth,” Nweke said.
Spread the word