The Coalition of Civil Society Networks (CCSN), in conjunction with the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to release Ambassador Adejare Adegbenro, the acting Director-General of the National Commission for the Control of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATCOM).
They seek transparency and adherence to due process in all legal matters, citing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), to which Nigeria is a signatory, specifically referring to Article 22, Article 29, Article 30, and Article 31.
The petition for Dr. Adegbenro’s release was also sent to the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Director-General of the State Security Service, and the EuroPolice Federation in Slovakia.
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Expressing concern over the uncertainty surrounding Ambassador Adegbenro’s situation, the IHRC highlighted his role as the High Commissioner in Nigeria for the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), a Transnational Intergovernmental Organization based in Zurich, Switzerland. The IHRC’s mandate includes preventing illegal migration and human trafficking, as well as promoting human rights and security in Nigeria.
The groups emphasized Ambassador Adegbenro’s contributions as a civil donor to security intelligence organizations, aiding the Nigerian government and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the fight against the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Ambassador Dr. Otunba Adejare Adegbenro, the First Otunba Laje of Owu Kingdom in Ogun State, was born on March 26, 1973, into two prominent families in Nigerian history. His paternal grandfather, the late Chief Alhaji Oloye Dauda Soroye Adegbenro, was a former Premier of the old Western Region and a national leader of the Action Group Party.
His maternal grandfather, the late Pa Alfred Ogbeyiwa Rewane, was a pro-democracy crusader and financier of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), closely allied with Chief Obafemi Awolowo and a supporter of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the fight for democracy in Nigeria.
The groups highlighted Pa Alfred ‘Osibakoro’ Rewane’s significant financial contributions to progressive Nigerian politics, including bailing out the Unity Party of Nigeria during difficult times in the transition to the Second Republic. Despite being arrested by General Muhammadu Buhari’s regime, he steadfastly defended his actions, stating that he was not going to change his style to suit the military dictatorship.
Building on the accomplishments and reputation of his grandfathers, Ambassador Adegbenro has been actively serving humanity through his foundation, the Otunba Adejare Adegbenro Foundation (OAAF).
The groups expressed awareness of Ambassador Adegbenro’s efforts in advocating for the establishment of a National Commission for the Control of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons to curb insecurity and promote youth employment in Nigeria. They also noted his appointment as a professional member of the European Police Federation (EuroPolice) and his plans to enhance collaboration between the Nigeria National Security and the EuroPolice Federation for effective transnational policing and the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.
According to the groups, Ambassador Adegbenro was called by the Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) of the Nigeria Police Force to answer a petition, which he honored on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Since then, his family and close associates have not heard from him, and there is no official statement regarding his whereabouts, arrest, or detention, nor any petition against him by the Nigeria Police.
While some sources claimed he was released on Monday, April 29, 2024, it has been confirmed that this is not true. His phone number is unreachable, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
The groups find it unimaginable that Ambassador Dr. Otunba Adejare Adegbenro, an active Special Emissary (SE) of the International Society of Diplomats (ISD) and a security expert with an impeccable track record in private and public service, would be subjected to such treatment in his home country, particularly under the administration of a President who not only knows him but is aware of his family’s significant contributions to democracy in Nigeria.
Based on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), to which Nigeria is a signatory, the groups call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for the release of Ambassador Dr. Otunba Adejare Adegbenro, emphasizing transparency and adherence to due process in all legal matters.
They demand transparency and urge authorities to provide clarity on his current whereabouts and legal status, emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law.
They also stress the need for a thorough investigation into the false allegations and the circumstances surrounding Ambassador Dr. Otunba Adejare Adegbenro’s situation, emphasizing the importance of justice and accountability in the face of adversity.