The Senate has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba to investigate and prosecute foreigners engaged in the maltreatment of Nigerians nationwide. This call was made during Tuesday’s plenary in the red chambers of the National Assembly in Abuja following a motion by Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo titled ‘Urgent Need to Check the Alarming Trend of Inhuman Treatment and Torture of Nigerian Citizens by Foreign Nationals in the Country’. The lawmaker referred to a case of inhuman treatment meted against one Friday Ndubuisi and a late Chadian who were both accused of stealing iron rods by their Lebanese employee in the Gudu District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The suspects were allegedly beaten mercilessly with iron rods, tied to a vehicle, and driven around the premises.
According to the lawmaker, the Lebanese employer ordered some of his Nigerian subordinates to carry out the horrific act.
He said, “The Lebanese also set his dog upon the victims and the said dog attacked them. The second Nigerian-a security personnel-on trying to defend and absolve Friday Ndubuisi from any allegation whatsoever was shot with an arrow, thereby leading to grievous bodily harm.
“Some suspects have been arrested and paraded by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in connection with the nauseating crime against humanity but without the Lebanese being equally apprehended or paraded.
“The Senate is surprised that certain insinuations have been made by some concerned security authorities involved in the matter, that since the late Chadian was an illegal migrant, little or nothing can be done about the case.”
Degi-Eremienyo said the Administration of Criminal Justice Act provides protection for non-Nigerians such as the late Chadian, regardless of their immigration status.
The Senate adopted the motion and urged the IGP to begin an in-depth investigation of the Lebanese, his dog, and any other similar cases by other foreigners, acting independently or in collusion with Nigerians or personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
The lawmakers said, “Upon conclusion of investigations, those found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with our laws to serve as a deterrent to others.”
The Senate also directed the Committee on Police Affairs to follow up on the case and periodically provide feedback to the lawmakers on its progress and conclusion.