Several civil society organizations have urged the Nigeria Police Force to release Ayotunde Richard, a gospel singer and former member of Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries (MFM). Richard was reportedly arrested on allegations of bullying the church’s founder, Dr. Daniel Olukoya.
The arrest came following a petition by Davidson Adejuwon, representing Mrs. Sanni, an aide to Pastor Olukoya. Justice D.T. Olatokun of the High Court in Ikeja, Lagos State, subsequently ordered Richard’s immediate release. Richard, who led Olukoya’s backup singers, had been detained.
Barrister Adesina Ogunlana, speaking at a press conference organized by the Good Governance and Accountability and Progressive Yoruba Youth Congress in Lagos, criticized the ongoing detention as an unlawful act undermining the judiciary’s integrity.
He said, “The issues here are not just about a violent breach of a citizen’s right to freedom and liberty but the even more humbling reality of the police authorities UNDERMINING the integrity of the Judiciary.
“As we speak more than 24 hours after the order of the honourable Court releasing Richard has been made the Applicant is still in the gulag of the police at Ikeja Lagos.
“We Call on all well Nigerians to join us in demand of Richard’s freedom and to rise in the defence of the integrity of the Judicial system. We are not convinced that the incumbent holder of the office of Commissioner of the Lagos State Police Command, Mr Adegoke Fayoade is fit any longer for that exalted position.”
