The family of Bege Timothy Suchet, a Kaduna-based teacher and activist, is sounding the alarm over his prolonged disappearance, now entering its fourth year. This troubling situation arose following a police raid conducted by the Inspector-General of Police’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) on March 30, 2022, which sought to apprehend him.
The Raid: A Disturbing Incident
On the day of the raid, officers from the IRT, led by ASP Ameh Friday along with several other personnel, stormed Timothy’s residence in search of evidence to justify his arrest. However, they reportedly found no incriminating evidence. The family has described the raid as chaotic and invasive, leaving them shaken but determined to uncover the truth about Timothy’s fate.
Mrs. Jumai Bege Timothy, his wife, recounted her harrowing experience during the raid. “They took me to the Kasuwan Magani police station, and later to the Operation Yaki office in Kaduna Town,” she said. During her time in custody, Mrs. Timothy was left in the dark regarding her husband’s whereabouts. It wasn’t until April 17, 2022, that she received any news; a friend informed her that Timothy had indeed been arrested by the police.
The Aftermath: A Family in Distress
The family’s anguish deepened as days turned into weeks without any sign of Timothy. “From March 30 until now, we have not heard from or seen my husband,” Mrs. Timothy lamented. The uncertainty surrounding his fate has cast a long shadow over the family, who are now left to grapple with the emotional and psychological toll of his disappearance.
Timothy’s case bears a chilling resemblance to that of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, a government critic who went missing in August 2019 after being abducted from his home. Both men’s disappearances highlight the troubling climate surrounding dissent in Nigeria, particularly in Kaduna state.
Political Implications: A Broader Context
The Kaduna state government, led by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has publicly denied any involvement in Timothy’s case or that of Dadiyata. In a recent interview on ARISE Television, El-Rufai mentioned a police confession implicating a team from Kano in Dadiyata’s abduction. He asserted, “If anybody is to be asked about the disappearance of Dadiyata, it is the Kano state government; it has nothing to do with the Kaduna state government.”
Despite these denials, the families of the missing persons remain unconvinced, fearing that state apparatus may have played a role in their disappearances. The lack of accountability and transparency surrounding such cases has only exacerbated public distrust in law enforcement agencies.
The Search for Justice: A Call to Action
As the anniversary of Timothy’s disappearance approaches, his family is urging the public and human rights organisations to take notice. They are appealing for renewed scrutiny of the police’s actions and for advocacy on behalf of those who have gone missing under similar circumstances.
“This is not just about our family; it is about all those who have suffered in silence. We need justice and answers,” Mrs. Timothy implored. The family’s plight serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues regarding human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.
The Role of Civil Society
Civil society organisations have a pivotal role to play in advocating for the rights of individuals who have been subjected to arbitrary detention or enforced disappearances. They can act as critical watchdogs, holding authorities accountable and ensuring that the voices of affected families are heard.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement advocating for the rights of victims of police brutality and enforced disappearances. This movement seeks to empower families like that of Bege Timothy Suchet, ensuring they are not left to navigate this harrowing experience alone.
Conclusion: Seeking Clarity in the Darkness
The case of Bege Timothy Suchet illustrates the urgent need for accountability in Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies. It raises fundamental questions about the safety and rights of citizens, particularly those who dare to speak out against the government.
As the search for Timothy continues, his family, along with advocates for justice, remains committed to uncovering the truth. They hope that, through their efforts, they can bring an end to the silence that has enveloped their lives for far too long.
In the face of adversity, the call for justice grows louder. The disappearance of Bege Timothy Suchet must not be forgotten; it is a rallying point for all who seek to ensure that basic human rights are upheld in Nigeria.
