ANEEJ Endorses Governor Okpebholo’s Renewed War Against Crime, Kidnapping, and Cultism in Edo State.
… Calls for Strict Adherence to Due Process and Rule of Law
Benin City, Nigeria. May 17, 2025 – The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), a leading anti-corruption watchdog and human rights advocacy organization, has expressed strong support for the recent decisive actions taken by the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, in response to the disturbing rise in criminal activities, particularly kidnapping, cultism, and violent crimes across the state.
In a statement issued in Benin City, ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, commended the Governor for demonstrating the political will to confront crime head-on and for prioritizing the safety and welfare of Edo citizens. He lauded the administration’s deployment of security resources, support for intelligence gathering, and targeted operations against criminal networks as clear indicators of responsive and courageous leadership.
Rev. Ugolor emphasized, however, that the pursuit of justice must always be guided by the principles of the rule of law and respect for human rights. “While we support the state government’s resolve to restore peace and security, it is essential that all prosecutions and enforcement actions strictly adhere to due process,” he stated. “Every accused individual is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction.”
He further urged law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to operate within the bounds of Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights obligations, cautioning against extrajudicial actions and arbitrary crackdowns that could undermine public trust and the integrity of the justice system. “Justice must not only be done, but it must also be seen to be done,” he said.
Rev. Ugolor highlighted the need for long-term solutions to the root causes of insecurity – these include high youth unemployment, substance abuse, weak community policing, and limited access to quality education and vocational training. We call on the Edo State Government to complement its current security operations with inclusive, systemic reforms that promote sustainable development and address the socio-economic drivers of crime.
As a civil society organization committed to promoting good governance, justice and human rights, transparency, and accountability, we reaffirmed our readiness to support the state government through civic education initiatives, community engagement, institutional reform advocacy, and public accountability mechanisms.
Rev. Ugolor urged traditional rulers, faith-based institutions, community leaders, youth groups, and the media to contribute actively to collective efforts aimed at building a safer, more just, and inclusive Edo State.
We equally acknowledged the efforts of security agencies—including the Edo State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—for their roles in tackling the security challenges. However, we are reminding them of the importance of professionalism, impartiality, and respect for citizens’ rights in the discharge of their duties.
“Edo State must not descend into lawlessness. The commitment of the government must be matched by the vigilance of its people and the integrity of its institutions,” Ugolor concluded.
Once again, we commend Governor Okpebholo for his leadership and encourages his administration to remain firmly rooted in constitutional values, justice, and equity in the ongoing fight against crime.
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