COCSON, BAVCCA Defend CP Ifeanyi Uche, Dismiss Sahara Reporters’ Story as Sensational

COCSON, BAVCCA Defend CP Ifeanyi Uche, Dismiss Sahara Reporters’ Story as Sensational

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) and the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) have dismissed recent allegations against Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Uche, describing them as sensational and unverified.

The groups made their position known on Friday, while addressing journalists at a joint press conference. They were reacting to a publication by Sahara Reporters which alleged impropriety surrounding the tenure and professional status of the senior police officer.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, COCSON Spokesperson, Kola Anifowoshe, said the organisations reviewed the report and available information but found no verified official documentation to support the claims made in the publication.

“At no point has any competent authority publicly indicted Commissioner Ifeanyi Uche for wrongdoing. The report relies heavily on unnamed sources, conjecture, and narrative framing designed to provoke suspicion rather than present substantiated facts,” Anifowoshe said.

He stressed that journalism plays a critical role in strengthening democracy and ensuring accountability but must be guided by verification, fairness, and responsibility.

According to him, the reckless amplification of unverified allegations against serving officers, particularly those occupying sensitive security positions, could undermine institutional stability.

The groups maintained that issues relating to tenure, postings, or service extension within the Nigeria Police Force are administrative matters governed by internal regulations and statutory provisions. They argued that such issues should not be reduced to media speculation or public trial.

COCSON and BAVCCA also referenced Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees freedom of expression.

However, they emphasized that the right is not absolute and does not protect deliberate falsehood, malicious misrepresentation, or defamatory material.

They further cited the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, noting that the law criminalizes the intentional transmission of false information through digital platforms where such communication results in reputational damage or public disorder.

The coalition called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate and identify individuals responsible for spreading what they described as misinformation concerning public officers. They urged authorities to take appropriate action to safeguard institutional integrity and public confidence.

“If there are genuine concerns regarding administrative decisions within the Police, such matters should be addressed through lawful oversight mechanisms and official channels, not through speculative media trials,” Anifowoshe added.

Reaffirming their commitment to truth, due process, and institutional stability, the organisations urged media practitioners and digital content creators to exercise restraint and professionalism when reporting matters related to national security.

“The rule of law must prevail,” the coalition concluded.