The International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), NIGERIA, Rivers State Branch has condemned the cruel and inhumane treatment meted out on her member and a child protection Officer of Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare who accompanied a complainant to Akpajo Police Station in respect of a new born baby who was found abandoned in a church at Akpajo, Eleme.
FIDA in a statement released and signed by Adata-Bio Briggs and Sophia .I.J. Afolayan, Chairperson and Publicity Secretary respectively, explained that the complainant found the abandoned baby in her church and reported to officers at the Akpajo Police Stattion who later took the Baby to one Goodness and Mercy Orphanage home in Eliminigwe Estate.
FIDA in the statement disclosed that the complainant insisted that the baby should be sent to the Port-Harcourt children’s Home under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation but she was thrown out of the premises of the orphanage home and the baby handed over to the home.
FIDA in the statement said the complainant immediately called FIDA and a call was put across to the DPO of the Station on the need for the baby to be handed over to Ministry of social welfare and Rehabilitation.
“The DPO requested the presence of FIDA and officers from Social Welfare so the baby can be handed over to the appropriate authority
On getting to the Station with the child Protection officer and the complainant the DPO , Mr Emmanuel Ifeanyi, verbally and physically assaulted our member, and seized her phone and that of the Social Welfare officer and the complainant. He detained them in his station for more than 4 hours and also threatened to deal with them” .
FIDA Rivers said it views the act of Mr Emmanuel Ifeanyi as slanderous and a violation of their right to personal dignity.
FIDA however, commended the prompt intervention of the Commissioner of Police and urge him to ensure that Justice is done in the matter for the future protection of their members in course of service to humanity
