A human rights organisation in Oyo State has called for stronger oversight of non-state security groups following concerns over alleged interference with police duties in Ibadan.
The Vocalpoint Human Rights Initiative, VOHRI, made the call during a press briefing in Ibadan on Wednesday, urging the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that no individual or organisation assumes powers reserved for legally established security agencies.
The group’s position follows a recent incident involving Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, and members of the Iru-Ẹkun Security Network, who were accused of obstructing police officers during an attempt to arrest a suspect in Ibadan. The allegations have drawn attention to the boundaries between community security efforts and constitutional law enforcement responsibilities.
VOHRI’s Public Relations Officer, Oladimeji Adelakin, said communities have the right to demand protection and raise concerns about insecurity, but stressed that investigations, arrests, and prosecutions must remain the responsibility of authorised institutions such as the police and the Department of State Services.
The organisation warned that allowing private groups to operate as alternative law enforcement bodies could create uncertainty in the security system and weaken public confidence in established institutions. It called for an impartial investigation into the reported incident and appropriate action if any wrongdoing is confirmed.
Adelakin also advised residents with information about suspected criminal activities to provide such details to security agencies rather than taking enforcement actions themselves. He maintained that addressing insecurity requires cooperation between communities and legally recognised authorities.
The group’s intervention adds to ongoing national conversations about the role of local security networks, vigilante groups, and community-based initiatives in tackling crime while operating within the limits of Nigerian law and constitutional order.
