The Security Situation Room (SSR) on Tuesday condemned what it described as widespread unlawful detention and human rights violations allegedly perpetrated by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), calling for an urgent investigation into the death of a 52-year-old woman, Mrs Titilayo Akindele, at a Federal High Court in Benin.
In a press statement issued obtained by our correspondent the organisation expressed concern that NDLEA detention facilities across the country have become “centres of prolonged and unlawful incarceration.”
The statement was signed by Favour Munachi Agunwa, Media and Programmes Officer, SSR.
“We are deeply disturbed by credible reports indicating that NDLEA detention facilities… have, in many instances, become centres of prolonged and unlawful incarceration, where citizens are held for months without trial, due process, or regard for constitutional provisions,” the statement read.
The SSR said such practices contradict democratic principles and violate Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time.
The group particularly decried the circumstances surrounding the death of Akindele, who was said to have been in NDLEA custody for about three months before being brought to court in a deteriorating state of health.
According to the statement, she was first arraigned a day earlier and asked to provide a medical report, and was re-arraigned on March 31 but was allegedly unable to stand or sit during proceedings.
“Despite her critical condition, she was subjected to court proceedings without adequate medical attention,” the SSR stated.
The organisation alleged that Akindele became unresponsive shortly after requesting to lie down in court.
“Instead of immediately seeking medical assistance, NDLEA officials reportedly attempted to resuscitate her through inappropriate physical means and dismissed concerns, insisting she was ‘pretending,’” the statement said.
It further claimed that court proceedings continued while she remained unresponsive and that it took more than two hours before it became evident that she had died.
The SSR also accused NDLEA officials of attempting to evade responsibility and intimidating legal practitioners at the scene.
“NDLEA officials allegedly attempted to evade responsibility by leaving the scene and threatened lawyers, including cocking firearms inside the courtroom,” the organisation said, adding that efforts by lawyers to document the incident were met with hostility, while officials reportedly refused to take responsibility for the deceased.
The group described the incident as “completely unacceptable, unlawful, and inhumane,” warning that it reflects a broader pattern of accountability failure.
It called for an independent and transparent investigation into Akindele’s death, immediate suspension of officials involved, removal of the state NDLEA commander, intervention by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and stronger oversight of detention facilities nationwide.
“No Nigerian life is expendable. No agency is above the law,” the statement said.
“The death of Mrs Titilayo Akindele must not be swept under the carpet. Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.”
The SSR noted that the case highlights ongoing concerns about prolonged detention without trial and alleged abuse within law enforcement facilities in Nigeria.
