Legal team representing businessman Philip Aroko are now challenging what they describe as an unlawful and politically motivated detention by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in connection with the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Were.
Aroko, presented himself voluntarily at DCI headquarters and was later booked at Gigiri cells on May 7 after the DCI issued a highly publicized statement declaring him a wanted person.
According to his lawyer, Danstan Omari, the applicant has since been held incommunicado denied bail, access to legal counsel, and visitation by family members.
In the documents filed in court, Omari argues that the Aroko’s continued detention violates fundamental rights enshrined in Articles 49(1)(f) and 51(1), which guarantee an arrested person’s right to be presented before a court within 24 hours and protects the rights of detained persons.
“The Applicant is not seeking special treatment,” read the court document.
“He only wants the State to comply with the law, as it would for any other citizen.”
The legal team claimed that the arrest and subsequent media campaign were designed to humiliate and isolate the businessman and possibly prevent him from attending the funeral of the late MP, an event of significant personal and public importance.
The funeral is scheduled to take place Friday May 9, 2025.
“This matter is urgent,” reads part of the application.
“The Applicant has expressed unwavering willingness to cooperate with investigative authorities, yet he is being held in conditions that clearly offend the rule of law and due process.”
Omari further claimed that no formal summons were issued prior to the dramatic media declaration.
Omari sought a court order for his immediate production before a court of law or, in the alternative, his unconditional release from police custody.
“Pending the hearing and determination of this application, this Honourable Court be pleased to direct the 1st & 2nd Respondents either singularly or jointly with the other Respondents to immediately and unconditionally present the Applicant herein before this court to be dealt with according to law,” reads the court documents.
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