By Ayodele Oni
Ekiti State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC) has condemned what it called the illegal arrest, unlawful detention, and hurried arraignment of Mr Ayodele Babatola, the House of Assembly Candidate of the party in Ado Constituency 1, on allegations of ra*e.
He was remanded in prison custody on the orders of a magistrate court sitting in Ado Ekiti.
Babatola was arraigned on Monday by the Ekiti State Police Command, through the Rapid Response Squad, for allegedly having a forced intimate affair with a woman whose identity was withheld.
Reacting in a statement, the party stated that: “We view these actions as a gross violation of the constitutional rights of Mr Babatola and a dangerous abuse of State power.
“Every Nigerian, regardless of status or political affiliation, is entitled to the presumption of innocence, due process, and protection from arbitrary detention under Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.”
The statement, signed by Gboyega Aribisogan, Director, Communications, Media and Publicity, Dare Bejide Campaign Organisations, added that: “From the available facts, the arrest and detention were carried out without adherence to due process.
“Babatola was neither properly invited nor granted the opportunity to respond to the allegations before being detained and arraigned. Such conduct undermines the integrity of our justice system and erodes public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
“While we do not condone any form of sexual violence and affirm that ra*e is a heinous crime that must be investigated and prosecuted thoroughly, we insist that justice must never be sacrificed on the altar of political persecution or mob sentiment.
“The law must take its course, but it must do so lawfully, fairly, and without malice.
“We, therefore, demand the immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention to determine if due process was followed.
“The party demands the release of Ayodele Babatola on bail pending the conclusion of any lawful investigation and trial in line with his constitutional right.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Ekiti State Attorney General, National Human Rights Commission, and the National judicial Commission to intervene and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.
“The ADC stands for the rule of law, human rights, and due process. We will not remain silent while citizens are subjected to illegal persecution under the guise of criminal allegations.”
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