By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The Taraba State Police Command has addressed reports on social media claiming Abdulmumin Imam was arrested or abducted, stating he was invited for questioning over petitions against him.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Acting Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah said that Imam was invited for questioning in connection with several petitions and complaints received against him.
According to the statement, “The Taraba State Police Command is aware of reports circulating on social media alleging the arrest or abduction of one Abdulmumin Imam by officers of the Command.
“The Command wishes to state that the matter in question is connected to several petitions and complaints received from concerned individuals, which required the said Abdulmumin Imam to provide clarification to investigators.
“In line with the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate complaints brought before it, an invitation was extended to him to avail himself for questioning in order to clarify issues raised in the petitions. However, he reportedly failed to honour earlier invitations extended to him by the Police.
“Consequently, he was approached by Police officers to enable him assist investigators in addressing the issues contained in the petitions. The action taken was strictly in furtherance of an ongoing investigation.
“The Command wishes to make it clear that the process was not in any way intended to harass, intimidate, or violate the rights of the individual. At no time was Abdulmumin Imam assaulted or subjected to any form of inhuman treatment, nor was he forcefully taken against his will as being insinuated in some reports.
”The purpose of the invitation remains to allow him provide his account regarding the matters contained in the petitions, and as is standard investigative procedure, if he is not found wanting after the necessary clarifications, he will be allowed to go accordingly.
“The Taraba State Police Command reiterates that the Nigeria Police Force operates strictly within the provisions of the law and remains committed to respecting the fundamental rights of all citizens while carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
”Members of the public and media organizations are therefore advised to verify information with the Command before circulating or publishing claims capable of misleading the public.
The Command remains committed to professionalism, transparency, and the maintenance of law and order in Taraba State,” statement read.
