Lagos based human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), has raised an alarm concerning the deteriorating health of one American woman identified as Kari Ann Rouke who is in police custody on the heels of the expectations that Kari Ann would be released from custody yesterday, March 19, 2021, upon the fulfilment of all her bail conditions and the acceptance of her surety.
Adegboruwa in a press release stated that he is scared that something devastating may happen to Kari Ann if she is not released forthwith.
It will be recalled that Kari Ann was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command in respect of the death of her friend that she met online and whom she left in good health at the time of her departure to the airport.
An autopsy report into the death is said to have shown that he died of cardiac trauma and heart related conditions and that Kari Ann is not in any way connected with the death or suspected of any foul play in any manner whatsoever.
According to Adegboruwa, “Kari Ann has been in police custody since March 9, 2021, at SCID, Panti, Yaba, where she has lost about 23 pounds and suffered bouts of malaria and dysentery. She has a delicate health condition of severe anaemia, for which she is due for comprehensive medical treatment in America.
“On March 19, 2021, responsible sureties visited the SCID in Yaba, to sign all documents for the expected release of Kari Ann, with her lawyers, who all spent hours at the police department till late in the night, when they were later informed to go. Upon the execution and perfection of the bail papers, Kari Ann was told to pack her belongings which she did, only to be told later on to go back into custody.
“It is on this basis that the eminent lawyer has appealed to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, to use his good offices to direct the immediate release of Kari Ann, so that she can attend to her health urgently. Her international passport has already been seized by the police and a reputable church has volunteered to accommodate Kari Ann in Nigeria until such a time that the police would be willing to allow her travel back to her home state in America,” he said.
Adegboruwa said he is concerned that the police are keeping Kari Ann in perpetual custody for well over one month without any charge before any court of law. He stated further that in this period of the Coronavirus pandemic, it is not safe for any one of Kari Ann’s age with her underlying condition to be kept in police custody for an indefinite period of time.
He, therefore, urged the police to respect the rule of law and the liberty and freedom of Kari Ann, as she is presumed innocent under the law.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
#EndSARS: As British Parliament Hears Petition, UK Govt Says It Won’t Speculate On Sanctions
The British Parliament at the Westminster Hall held a debate on ‘e-petition 554150, relating to Nigeria and the sanctions regime’ on Monday. The government of the United Kingdom has however responded…Adegboruwa raises alarm Adegboruwa raises alarm
2023 Presidency: APC Govs’ Meeting With Jonathan Sparks Controversy
The surprise visit made on Friday night by the leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to former President Goodluck Jonathan at his residence in Abuja triggered a stir in the major political camps, resulting in at least four possible theories…Adegboruwa raises alarm Adegboruwa raises alarm
and then