Describes Action as Illegal, Calls for Legal Redress
Urges ACF to Sue Nigeria Police
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JACON) has strongly condemned what it described as the illegal sealing of the National Headquarters of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
JACON argued that sealing a private property and civil society office without a valid court order is unconstitutional and amounts to an overreach of the police’s constitutional mandate.
In a solidarity statement jointly signed by Muhammad Isa, Director of Public and Strategic Communication, and Comrade Raphael Terkolar, Secretary of the association, the group described the police action as draconian and a dangerous assault on the rule of law, freedom of association, and the sanctity of civil society organisations in Northern Nigeria.
“JACON has received with utter shock, dismay, and unequivocal condemnation the unfortunate and illegal sealing of the National Headquarters of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
“This draconian action currently being enforced represents a dangerous assault on the rule of law, fundamental rights of association, and the sanctity of civil society organisations in Northern Nigeria.
“There is no justification for the unilateral shutdown of the ACF headquarters — a foremost socio-cultural umbrella body in the North — without due process of law.
“As Northern youth leaders, we stand in total solidarity with the ACF. We view this development not as an isolated act but as a calculated pattern of intimidation against voices of reason and conscience in our region.
“We strongly condemn the Nigeria Police Force for overstepping its constitutional mandate. Sealing a private property and civil society office without a valid court order is not only unconstitutional but also smacks of fascism and abuse of power,” the statement read.
The association also demanded that the Inspector-General of Police immediately identify and sanction officers responsible for the action.
JACON further alleged that the move was designed to silence the ACF from speaking against perceived injustices, misuse of public funds, and erosion of constitutional governance in the country.
“Those who sponsor such authoritarian tactics must be held accountable. We urge the leadership of the ACF not to be cowed by this authoritarian provocation,” the group added.
The body also advised the ACF to immediately institute legal action against the Nigeria Police Force and any other parties involved, seeking damages and a declaration that the sealing of the premises was unlawful.
According to the association, pursuing the matter in court would help establish a legal precedent capable of discouraging future attacks on civil society organisations.
“Let it be known to the Nigeria Police Force and their sponsors that the youth of Northern Nigeria will not stand idle while the last bastions of our collective voice are silenced.
“We call for the immediate unsealing and reopening of the ACF headquarters without further delay. Failure to do so will compel the Northern youth constituency to mobilise for peaceful protests and civil action to defend our democratic space.
“The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations will continue to monitor this situation closely. We commend the ACF for its restraint so far, but now is the time to fight back through the law. We pledge our full moral, legal, and mobilisation support to the ACF in this battle to defend our constitution.
“Together, we shall overcome this authoritarian menace,” the association stated.
