Governor Fintiri of Adamawa
FORCED APOLOGY AND DETENTION: A HUMAN RIGHTS OUTCRY IN THE ANNAH SUNDAY CASE
By Suleiman A. Abubakar
On June 22, 2025, I witnessed a deeply disturbing incident at the Karewa Divisional Police Headquarters in Adamawa State, Nigeria. A video had surfaced online featuring Annah Sunday, a resident of Bachure Community, Karewa Ward, alleging that some politicians, including one Honourable from Karewa Ward, were demanding sex in exchange for PAWECA forms. These allegations are serious and raise concerns about the exploitation and harassment of women in our community.
Upon hearing about the video, our organization sought to confirm the details and reach out to Annah Sunday to offer support and assistance. We reviewed the video and noted that Annah Sunday did not mention any specific individual’s name. However, to our greatest disappointment, we later learned that she was forced to apologize, stating that she was not referring to the Honourable Councillor of Karewa Ward.
Our Executive Director directed me to visit the Karewa Divisional Police Headquarters to verify the situation and ensure that Annah Sunday’s rights were being protected. When I arrived at the police station, I met with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Ibrahim Oyetunde, who seemed to be in the company of some aides to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and the Councillor representing Karewa Ward. The presence of these individuals raised concerns about the potential influence of politics and power in the handling of the case.
When I attempted to investigate the matter, the DPO directed an officer to take me and another colleague to speak with Annah Sunday. When we met Annah Sunday, she appeared shaken and reluctant to speak. Despite our efforts to reassure her and create a safe space for her to share her story, she remained silent. The Councillor representing Karewa Ward and another individual, Honourable Damiijida Gambo, interrupted our conversation, attempting to intimidate us and prevent Annah Sunday from speaking.
Based on what we gathered, it appears that Annah Sunday was detained, intimidated, and harassed on the orders of a high-profile politician from Yola North Local Government Area, using the Councillor of Karewa Ward.
The situation escalated, with the DPO insulting me and questioning my maturity. Despite the challenges and attempts to intimidate me, I maintained my composure and continued to advocate for Annah Sunday’s rights. As a human rights activist, it is my duty to ensure that individuals, especially women and vulnerable populations, are protected from exploitation and harassment.
In my opinion, CSP Ibrahim Oyetunde’s behavior was unprofessional, and his actions raise serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation. The alleged forced apology and detention of Annah Sunday are unacceptable and undermine the trust and confidence in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Adamawa State Command. We will pursue justice through all available legal channels and ensure that Annah Sunday receives the protection and support she deserves.
I believe that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Adamawa State Command, should investigate CSP Ibrahim Oyetunde’s conduct and ensure that he is held accountable for his actions. Furthermore, the police should take steps to protect Annah Sunday and ensure that she is not subjected to further harassment or intimidation.
As a community, individuals, organizations, and all of us from Adamawa State, we must work together to prevent the exploitation and harassment of women and girls. We must create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to report incidents without fear of retaliation or intimidation.
In conclusion, I urge the authorities to take immediate action to address the allegations made by Annah Sunday and to ensure that justice is served. We will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for Annah Sunday’s rights until she receives the justice she deserves.
Comrade Suleiman A. Abubakar, a Human Rights Activist and PM, MANGRI writes from Yola.
