…Calls for independent investigation, sanction
A coalition of Civil Society groups and Concerned Citizens had totally and strongly condemned the alleged extortion, unlawful detention and gross human rights violations at in Police Station and Tiger Base Unit in Owerri, Imo State.
The group, in a release signed by Ephraim C. Okafor, Esq, of Okemuo Chambers, Owerri, on Thursday and made available to the media, also condemned political interference in the dehumanization of citizens and called for urgent intervention in the human rights abuse rituals that happen in the Police Station and Tiger Base Unit Owerri on daily basis.
“According to victims and eyewitness accounts, Tiger Base operatives allegedly impose illegal bail demands of not less than 2 million naira, often insisting that such payments be made through POS outlets handpicked by the criminally minded officers”, the release stressed.
The coalition said this anomaly had created a “structured extortion syndicate” under the guise of administrative procedure.
The group also condemned the reported prolonged detention of suspects for weeks and months, denial of access to food unless money is paid and routine disobedience of court orders.
“These practices violate Sections 34, 35, 36 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution. No police formation is permitted to take political directives or operate above the law.
“Tiger Base is being used as a political weapon against opposition voices and critics of the 3R administration”, the group regretted.
The groups demanded “an independent investigation by the Police Service Commission, NHRC and Nigerian Bar Association, immediate review and release of unlawfully detained persons, disciplinary action and prosecution of officers implicated in extortion, torture, or contempt of court, protection of whistleblowers and victims.
“The culture of impunity cannot continue. Policing must return to the path of professionalism, justice and accountability,” they added.
