• As SERAP asks President Tinubu to call Wike to order over recommendation that the legal practitioners’ disciplinary committee punish Odinkalu for degrading the profession
• Says Wike’s call is an affront to independence of the administration of justice and rule of law

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and 1st Vice-President, NBA (2008-2010); and Chair, NBA Human Rights Institute (2008-2010), Ikeazor Ajovi Akaraiwe, SAN has condemned the recommendation that Professor Chidi Odinkalu be recommended to the legal practitioners’ disciplinary committee for degrading the profession.

Akaraiwe, in a statement sent to Law & Sciety Magazine, said:

“I read the statement attributed to Minister Nyesom Wike calling for Professor Chidi Odinkalu to be hauled before the legal practitioners’ disciplinary committee for degrading the profession.

“In a desert of cowardice, Professor Chidi Odinkalu represents an oasis of truth and courage, and if it seems that he goes overboard sometimes, can anyone deny that we are dealing with now-systemic rot, requiring radical excision?

“Those who have degraded this legal profession are those megalomaniacs, and visibly amoral persons whose corruption, bad manners, public uncouthness, and drunkenness are on display to a perplexed public who once thought that the legal profession was the personification of everything noble. Not Professor Chidi Odinkalu.

“Those who have degraded the legal profession are those who, whenever they open their mouths manage to convey the impression that they are educated illiterates, glaring advertisements of the failure of education in Nigeria, yet occupy political spaces better occupied by the more properly educated, and who act most unlawyerly in the public spaces they occupy. Not Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu.

“We call ourselves ‘learned friends’; glibly pontificating that ‘others are educated while we are learned’, whereas the paradox of the unlearned learned and the ignoble noble in the public space who call themselves fancy titles, from Barrister to Honourable stares the nation in the face. These are the ones degrading the legal profession. Not Professor Chidi Odinkalu.

“Finally, ‘Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!”’- Ecclesiastes 10/16-17.

“If anyone has degraded the legal profession, please, it is certainly not Chidi. Look yourself in the mirror and see who to haul before the disciplinary committee.”

Similarly, the Socio-Economic Rights And Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the FCT Minister to withdraw his call asking the Body of Bencher to recommend Odinkalu for punishment.

SERAP, in a statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) page, said:

“Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT must immediately withdraw his apparently politically motivated reported call to Nigeria’s Body of Benchers to ‘invite and discipline’ human rights lawyer Chidi Odinkalu solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights. We urge President Tinubu to call Mr Wike to order and instruct him to end the intimidation and harassment of Mr Odinkalu simply for exercising his human rights.

“Mr Wike’s call is an affront to the independence of the administration of justice and the rule of law. The call is illustrative of a broader pattern of harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders, activists, journalists and bloggers in the country. The Tinubu administration should ensure that all lawyers in Nigeria are able to exercise their human rights and carry out their professional duties without fear of reprisal, hindrance, intimidation or harassment.

“The UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers imposes clear obligations on the Nigerian authorities to ensure that lawyers are able to carry out their professional functions safely and free from intimidation, improper interference, or fear of reprisals, and that they shall not suffer, or be threatened with, sanctions for actions taken in accordance with professional duties, standards, or ethics. Lawyers, like other individuals, enjoy the rights to freedom of expression, belief, association, and assembly under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international human rights law, and are entitled to exercise these rights without suffering professional restrictions by reason of their lawful action.”

A legal practitioner and human rights activist, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has accused the Nigeria Police of operating outside its jurisdiction by recovering debt from a woman on the instigation of her husband.

The incident which took place at the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja on Sunday (Mothers Day) elicited a serious drama, wild condemnation and is already causing ripples among the police hierarchy.

“The unequivocal answer is NO. Statutory laws and numerous judicial precedents have consistently affirmed that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is not authorized to act as a debt recovery agency”, he said.

Ejiofor, lawyer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was reacting to the devastating account of police brutality – How monitoring unit personnel of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, arrested, brutalized, tortured, and detained Mrs. Joy Smart Chinenye based on a petition filed by her husband, George Obinna Smart Unaegbu, over alleged debt:

According to him, Section 4 of the Nigeria Police Act clearly outlines the duties of the NPF, making no provision for debt recovery.

He said, “Furthermore, superior courts have repeatedly ruled that the police cannot be used as a tool for private financial disputes. Some notable cases reinforcing this position include:
Kure V Commissioner of Police (2020) LPELR-49378(SC). Madaki & ANOR V GTB & ANOR (2022) LPELR-57419(CA).

“On a day globally recognized as Mothering Sunday, a mother of three found herself unjustly detained instead of celebrating motherhood. Acting on a petition from her legally married husband, personnel from the Monitoring Unit of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters Abuja, on March 28, 2025, arrested, brutalized, tortured, and detained her over an alleged unpaid debt.

“Her husband had allegedly given her funds for forex trading, which she was unable to repay. Rather than seek civil redress – assuming he had a valid cause of action against his wife – he enlisted the police. Officers stormed their Lagos home, forcibly arrested her in the presence of their children, and detained her at FCID Annex, Panti.

“There, she was coerced into transferring ₦5 million to her husband’s account. When she could not commit to paying an additional ₦10 million, she was forcibly transported to Abuja and held at the notorious Abattoir detention facility, a known holding ground for hardened criminals.

“Shockingly, in her absence, her husband relocated their children and took possession of her personal belongings.”

The activist told journalists that it is a direct violation of Police Directives.

He said the Nigeria Police Service Commission (NPSC) under the distinguished Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (RTD) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have issued clear directives prohibiting officers from engaging in complaints on land disputes, arrests by proxy, debt recovery, among others.

Ejiofor said, “Despite this, officers involved in this case blatantly disregarded these directives, prioritizing obvious private financial interests over their constitutional mandate.”

He called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to order the immediate and unconditional release of Mrs. Joy Smart Chinenye; initiate a thorough investigation into this gross abuse of power; and sanction all officers involved to deter future misconduct.

He said, “While legal action is being considered, it is imperative to bring this case to public attention to prevent further desecration of the rule of law. The Nigeria Police must not be unscrupulously used as a tool for settling private disputes – especially on a day meant to honour mothers.

“This is particularly egregious given that the highest echelon of the Police Authority has sternly warned and prohibited its personnel from indulging in such ignoble acts that tarnish the institution’s reputation.”

An Abuja-based lawyer, Christopher Chidera, has accused the Kenyan government of complicity in the Federal Government of Nigeria’s abduction and rendition of Biafra agitator Nnamdi Kanu in 2021.

Chidera, in a statement he made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, alleged that the Kenyan government failed in its duty to protect Kanu in the unlawful abduction and torture of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB.

He further alleged that Kenya acted in disregard for her Constitution, the Extradition Act and international treaty obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Mutual Assistance Within the Commonwealth Act, and the London Scheme on Extradition within the Commonwealth.

The lawyer, in a statement titled How the Government of Kenya Failed In Their Duty to Protect Nnamdi Kanu, said the incident not only jeopardized Kanu’s rights but also damaged Kenya’s reputation as a rule-of-law state within the Commonwealth and global community.

Parts of the statement read, “The case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), highlights significant concerns regarding the Kenyan government’s alleged involvement in his abduction, torture, and illegal rendition to Nigeria in June 2021.

“An outline of the role played by the Kenyan government showed its apparent disregard for the Constitution of Kenya, the Kenyan Extradition Act, and international treaty obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Mutual Assistance Within the Commonwealth Act, and the London Scheme on Extradition within the Commonwealth.

“Nnamdi Kanu, a dual citizen of both United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria who entered Kenya on a UK passport, was abducted on June 19, 2021, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi while picking up a friend.

“He was seized by armed individuals, believed to be Kenyan and Nigerian security officials, without an enforceable warrant or judicial order.

“The Constitution of Kenya (2010), under Article 29, guarantees freedom and security of the person, prohibiting arbitrary detention, torture, or inhuman treatment. Kanu’s abduction without legal justification or presentation before a court contravenes these protections.

“The Kenyan Extradition (Commonwealth Countries) Act of 1968 mandates that extradition requests be formally processed, with the individual given an opportunity to contest the transfer in court. No such process was followed, as Kenya has denied initiating extradition proceedings, suggesting an extrajudicial operation.

“Kanu was detained for eight days in a secret location within the perimeter of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, because he could hear the take-off and landing noise of aircrafts.

“He was chained to the floor, beaten, and subjected to degrading treatment, including being denied access to sanitation facilities, denial of access to his medications and tortured to the point of unconsciousness.

“Article 25 of the Kenyan Constitution explicitly prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, rights that are non-derogable. If Kenyan officials participated in or acquiesced to such acts, this constitutes a direct violation.

“Kenya, as a signatory to the ICCPR, is bound by Article 7, which prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The actions also breach Article 9, which protects against arbitrary arrest and detention, as no legal basis for Kanu’s detention was established.

“On June 27, 2021, Kanu was forcibly handed over to Nigerian officials at the airport and flown to Abuja on a private jet, bypassing Kenyan immigration protocols and legal extradition processes.

“This act on its own is illegal under Kenyan municipal laws.Section 6(3) of the Kenyan Extradition Act requires that extradition comply with due process, including judicial oversight and adherence to the “Doctrine of Specialty” (limiting prosecution to offenses specified in the extradition request). No extradition request from Nigeria was processed, and Kanu’s transfer lacked judicial sanction, rendering it illegal.

“The London Scheme for Extradition within the Commonwealth, which governs extradition between Commonwealth states like United Kingdom, Kenya and Nigeria, mandates formal requests, judicial hearings, and respect for the political offense exception (Article 12). Kanu’s advocacy for Biafran secession could qualify as a political offense, potentially barring extradition. Kenya’s failure to adhere to this framework suggests a deliberate circumvention.

“This act facilitates legal cooperation amongst Commonwealth countries (UK, Kenya and Nigeria) and does not authorize extrajudicial transfers. Kenya’s actions appear to contravene its obligations to ensure mutual assistance aligns with domestic and international law.

“The Kenyan government, through its High Commissioner to Nigeria and other officials, has denied any role in Kanu’s arrest and rendition, claiming no records exist of his detention or extradition. This contradicts Kanu’s detailed account and evidence of his presence in Kenya (e.g., passport stamps).
Constitutional Duty: Article 238(2) of the Kenyan Constitution subjects national security actions to the rule of law and human rights.

“The government’s apparent acquiescence to or participation in an illegal rendition undermines this principle.

“Beyond Articles 7 and 9, Kenya’s actions may violate Article 13, which protects against arbitrary expulsion of aliens lawfully present in a state. Kanu entered Kenya legally on a British passport, yet was expelled without due process.

“Kenya is a party to the 1984 Convention Against Torture, which prohibits transferring individuals to states where they face a real risk of torture. Kanu’s prior treatment in Nigerian detention (2015-2017) and subsequent reports of mistreatment post-rendition suggest Kenya ignored this obligation.

“The Mutual Assistance Within the Commonwealth Act and London Scheme emphasize cooperation within the bounds of legality and human rights. Kenya’s apparent collaboration with Nigeria to bypass these frameworks undermines its Commonwealth commitments.

“The Kenyan government’s role in Nnamdi Kanu’s abduction, torture, and illegal rendition to Nigeria reflects a troubling disregard for its own Constitution, the Kenyan Extradition Act, and treaty obligations under the ICCPR, Mutual Assistance Within the Commonwealth Act, and the London Scheme.

“Whether through direct involvement or acquiescence by rogue agents, Kenya’s actions—or inaction—enabled a breach of domestic and international law. The lack of formal extradition proceedings, coupled with official denials despite credible allegations, points to a deliberate effort to evade accountability, potentially for political or diplomatic gain.

“This incident not only jeopardized Kanu’s rights but also damaged Kenya’s reputation as a rule-of-law state within the Commonwealth and global community.”

Wisconsin’s state supreme court election on April 1 is officially the most expensive in U.S. history, with spending that has reached $76 million — with some predictions that the ultimate tally will top $100 million, almost twice the record spending in the state’s 2023 race. The biggest right-wing groups running an attack ad blitz against liberal candidate Susan Crawford are funded by a few very regressive out-of-state billionaires using their cash like a giant megaphone.

Elon Musk and Dick Uihlein are the biggest known backers of Republican Brad Schimel’s efforts to win the swing vote seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The uber-controversial Musk has spent over $19 million so far, backing Schimel. Uihlein is bankrolling multiple groups, including some, like the “Women Speak Out” PAC, that are joining an echo chamber of state anti-abortion groups that are all-in on Schimel. Joining the chorus for Schimel are the MAGA get-out-the vote operation Turning Point Action, fossil fuel billionaire Charles Koch’s Americans for Prosperity, the Republican State Leadership Committee (which is heavily funded by groups tied to Federalist Society co-chair and right-wing money man Leonard Leo), the far-right House Freedom Action (tied to the House Freedom Caucus), and the state trade group called Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.

The stakes are high: the outcome will decide the fate of abortion access, fair maps, labor rights and more in that swing state. Big money knows that the composition of the court, which for now has a 4-3 progressive majority, hangs in the balance.

This Wisconsin race stands out for the sheer amount of money being spent, but far-right billionaires and the networks they fund have been spending big across the country in recent elections to install their preferred candidates on state courts — a key lever of power and, in some states, a last bastion of protections for democracy.

Why State Courts? Why Now?

State courts are a key line of defense protecting what a majority of Americans want: better-funded public schools, worker protections, access to abortion care and more. Leo and Koch, in particular, worked for years to capture the U.S. Supreme Court and lower courts to impose unpopular policies by undemocratic means. Some lesser-known GOP billionaires — such as Dick Uihlein and Jeffrey Yass –– have also entered the state court capture effort in recent years.

Culled from truthout.org

• Ex-detainees share shocking tales of torture, killings at the infamous Imo Tiger Base Police Unit

About 37 civil society organizations have alerted the Senate President over the alleged human rights violations being carried out by the anti-kidnapping unit, “Tiger Base”, in Imo State, calling on the Senate to investigate the unit.

The groups, in a petition sent through the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, called for the Senate’s urgent Investigation into the human rights violations by the Tiger Base urgently.

The groups are: 1. RULAAC, Lagos2. Spaces for Change (S4C), Lagos3. Elixir Trust: Elixir Trust Foundation, Benue State4. Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Aba, Abia State5. World Impact Development Foundation, (WIDEF)6. Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication (CCEPE), llorin – Kwara7. Imam Mahdi Foundation for Global Peace8. Islamic Initiative for Human Rights Protection9. Open Arms Initiative for Sustainable Development, Imo10. Center for Peace Education and Community Development Foundation, Taraba11. Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding, Kaduna12. Habitatcare and Protection Initiative, Imo13. Human Rights Journalists Network, Nigeria14. OGECHI & SAM IKEH FOUNDATION (OSAIF) 15. Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative (REJA)- Abeokuta, Ogun State16. Virgin Heart Foundation, Imo17. Initiative for Public Safety Security and Educational Development in Nigeria (IPSSED Network) Enugu State18. Centre  for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), Aba, Abia State19. Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), Abia20. Initiative for Research,  Innovation, and Advocacy in Development, IRIAD21. Open Society on Justice Reform Project, Lagos22. Solidarity for the paradigm shift initiative, Enugu23. Legal Resources Consortium, Lagos24. Criminal Justice Network of Nigeria, Lagos25. Justice for Peace and Development Initiative, Lagos26. Centre  for Global Tolerance and Human Rights, Lagos27. Center for Peace Education and Community Development, Taraba state.28. TruORGANIC Initiative for Social & Communities Development, Kwara State29. Partnership for Social and Environmental Development Initiative – Cross River State30. Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR),  Imo31. Sisters With A Goal Initiative, SWAG, Imo State.32. ÓNÚRÚBÉ coalition Against Gender based Violence, Southeast States.33. Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation (HURSDEF) Rivers State34. Nde Oduko Foundation, Abuja35. Centre for Citizens with Disabilities36. Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Abuja37. Institutional and sustainable development foundation FCT.

They noted that the petition became necessary in view of the growing complaints by the public and Investigative stories carried out by some journalists, particularly, crime journalist, Juliana Francis, with support by Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC).

The statement pointed out that some victims of the Tiger Base were interviewed and gave details on the range of abuses at the unit, which include alleged rape, extortion, torture and even deaths.

The petition reads:

Dear Distinguished Senate President,

Urgent Call for the Senate’s Investigation into the Human Rights Violations by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command

We, the undersigned, hereby submit this petition to urgently bring to your attention the alarming activities of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, located at Tiger Base. The operations of this unit have been reported to be far worse than those of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), with numerous documented instances of egregious human rights violations.

Over the past one week, a serialized investigative journalism report (herewith attached), supported by testimonies from victims and survivors, has highlighted the atrocities committed and must be thoroughly reviewed. The report reveals shocking accounts by victims, survivors, relatives of victims and survivors, activists and human rights defenders and witnesses of egregious human rights atrocities, corruption and flagrant abuse of power sustained by impunity and the failure by police and police oversight authorities to investigate allegations and ensure accountability and justice. The report was also based on responses by the police, correctional services, the federal medical centre, Owerri, the police service commission, and the National Human Rights Commission, among other respondents.

‘Tiger Base’, as the notorious police unit has come to be generally known, was set up to tackle incidents of violent crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cult violence, etc. But the activities of the unit bear no resemblance to the requirements of the law or professional policing standards. Instead, the unit’s activities and methods evoke the sad memories of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) which was notable for unchecked acts of violence and brutality, eventually igniting the spontaneous nationwide citizens revolt in October 2020 against police brutality. That youth-led massive #EndsSARS protest was sustained for days amidst calls for the disbandment of the rogue SARS unit, among other demands.

It was hoped that the #EndSARS rebellion would have left some hard lessons for the police and Nigerian authorities making them see reasons to end police brutality by ensuring accountability for abuse, guaranteeing justice for victims and enacting far reaching reforms that would root out the impunity that allowed widespread police violence, brutality and corruption.

Alas, the activities of the Tiger Base, Owerri Imo State and similar police tactical units in other States – Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Abia – show clearly that no lessons were learnt and that another uprising more cataclysmic could happen anytime soon unless police brutality is checked. ‘Several petitions and reports about the atrocities going on at Tiger Base have been ignored and the atrocities continue unchecked and unabated.’

The failure of the authorities to investigate cases with a view to ensuring that perpetrators are brought to account and victims gain access to justice sustains the atmosphere of impunity that allows rampant egregious police abuse. To illustrate, the silence by the police authorities over the findings from the police investigation ordered by the Inspector-General of Police into allegations of arbitrary arrest, unlawful detention, torture, extrajudicial killings and organ harvesting brought against some police operatives attached to the Anambra State Rapid Response Squad (former SARS Awkuzu) by a whistle blower bears testimony to the disposition of police authorities to cover up the atrocities of their personnel rather than ensuring transparent investigations and taking appropriate actions to demonstrate that the police hierarchy is not complicit and does not condone or cover up atrocities. Lack of transparency in addressing complaints of human rights violations destroys public trust in law enforcement.

The incidents reported in the attached report indicate a fundamental failure of the police to uphold the law, protect citizens, or adhere to ethical standards. The culture of impunity that allows these excesses to persist is detrimental to public trust in law enforcement and justice in Nigeria.

It is against this background that we, the undersigned, jointly submit this petition to draw urgent attention to the alarming allegations of human rights abuses and corruption involving the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command at Tiger Base, Owerri. The troubling accounts from victims—including unlawful detention, torture, coercion, and extortion—reflect a disturbing pattern of misconduct that must be addressed swiftly and decisively.

The grave concerns regarding the Anti-Kidnapping Unit include but are not limited to:

1. Arbitrary Arrests and Unlawful Detention

Members of the unit are known to carry out arrests without due process, detaining individuals incommunicado and in inhumane conditions.

2. Trumped-Up Charges and Extortion

Suspects are often presented with fabricated allegations, of which they are coerced into complying with extortion demands.

3. Torture and Extrajudicial Killings

There are disturbing reports of torture inflicted upon those in custody, as well as credible allegations of extrajudicial killings and disappearances of individuals detained by this unit.

4. Rape, gender-based and other forms of sexual abuse

Some female detainees report being subjected to sexual abuse and being tuned to cleaners and laundry workers

5. Political Persecution

The unit has been utilized as a tool for political vendetta, targeting dissenters and opposition figures while operating with a blatant disregard for the law.

6. Impunity and Lack of Accountability

Numerous complaints levied against this notorious unit have been ignored by police authorities. This unit seemingly answers more to the Governor of Imo State than to the Commissioner of Police, further entrenching a culture of impunity.

It is clear that the Anti-Kidnapping Unit operates above the law, largely unchecked and emboldened to engage in oppressive practices that infringe upon the rights of the citizens of Imo State

We urge the Senate to take immediate and decisive action by conducting a thorough, impartial, and exhaustive investigation into the activities of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

The time for accountability is now. The integrity of the Nigerian policing system and the trust of the citizens hinge on your commitment to uphold human rights and the rule of law. We appeal for your prompt attention to this pressing matter to restore justice and safeguard the rights of all Nigerians.

Former Detainees share their stories

A cloud of fear hangs over the people of Imo State, particularly those who have encountered the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, widely known as Tiger Base Police.

Survivors of the unit’s detention recount horrifying experiences, describing their ordeal as akin to “walking through the valley of the shadow of death.”

Many former detainees refuse to speak, fearing rearrest or retaliation. However, those who have come forward reveal disturbing details of alleged torture, extortion, and extrajudicial killings, according to a report done by Juliana Francis and facilitated by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC).

Disturbing Accounts

Chinonso, one of the few brave survivors, shared her harrowing experience: “I was detained for three months. My brother repeatedly tried to bail me out, but the police told him that they wouldn’t release me until I confessed. I didn’t know what they wanted me to confess to.”

She continued: “I was locked up in a room without ventilation. The heat was too much, and most of us in detention had rashes all over our bodies. There were women I met in the cell, and even though I spent three months there, I still left them behind.”

Chinonso was arrested in 2024 after her phone was stolen while charging.

“They said my stolen phone and SIM had to do with a murder case,” she recalled.

“I was not allowed to write a statement for three months. My mother, a widow, wrote a petition to a human rights organisation, and that was when my case turned around.”

Another victim, Reverend Onyekwere Elemuwa, lost his 34-year-old nephew, Ekene Francis Elemuwa, in Tiger Base custody.

“Ekene was hale and healthy when he was arrested, but he was later brought out in a body bag,” Onyekwere said.

He detailed the events: “On the 28th of August 2023, at about 8:00 pm, Ekene went out with his friend, Ikemba. They were taken to Tiger Base.

“The following day, Ekene asked to contact his family, but the police refused. On September 4, he died. His cellmates insisted that it was his corpse that the police carried out.”

Onyekwere further lamented: “The police seized his phone and did not allow him to contact his family. They did not arraign him in court. We still do not know his offence or why he was arrested and detained.”

Ekene’s family only learned of his death through a former detainee who had been released. When they approached the police, they were initially denied information.

“Inspector Moses, Ekene’s IPO, refused to answer questions about his case file or offence. Even now, we do not know where his corpse is,” Onyekwere stated.

Despite petitions to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the family still has no clear answers.

“The police said he became sick in detention, was taken to the hospital, and then died,” Onyekwere recounted.

“But when I asked if he died inside the police cell, the police vehicle, or the hospital, they did not answer.”

Investigations reveal that Tiger Base Police continue to operate with impunity, violating both national and international human rights laws.

Survivors recount stories of starvation, forced confessions, and threats to keep silent. Many remain too afraid to share their stories, fearing that speaking out will cost them their lives.

Opara was bewildered when he found himself at Tiger Base Police Station over a mere landlord-tenant dispute.

He said, “I never imagined that a civil matter like this would land me in a notorious police unit known for handling violent crimes.

“My lawyer was already handling the case in court, so why was I being arrested?”

Upon arrival at Tiger Base, Opara was immediately thrown into a filthy cell without being informed of any charges. He spent three nights in detention, during which he witnessed horrific acts of brutality.

“People with gunshot wounds were writhing in pain. Some detainees whispered to me that they had been in custody for months without any court hearing. Others recounted tales of torture and forced confessions,” he narrated.

‘Police Extortion’

Opara recalled how officers repeatedly pressured him to pay a hefty sum for his release.

“At first, they asked for N500,000, but when I told them I didn’t have such an amount of money, they reduced it to N300,000.

“Eventually, after several negotiations, my family managed to secure my release with N200,000,” he said.

According to Opara, the way police officers at Tiger Base operate is a direct violation of human rights.

“I saw innocent people suffering for crimes they did not commit,” he lamented.

“Some were arrested simply because they couldn’t afford bail, and they remained there indefinitely. If a person is declared wanted, rather than investigate the matter, they go after his relatives. It’s a lawless place,” he lamented.

According to the report, further investigations revealed that several individuals arrested at Tiger Base had simply vanished without a trace. Families of some detainees have spent months searching for their loved ones, only to be met with silence from the authorities.

A relative of one such detainee, Mr. Chukwudi, narrated his ordeal.

“My younger brother was picked up on his way back from work. For weeks, we searched every police station in Owerri until someone whispered to us that he was taken to Tiger Base.

“When we got there, the officers denied having him in their custody. To this day, we don’t know if he is alive or dead,” he said, tears streaming down his face.

A human rights lawyer, Barrister Nduka, explained that Tiger Base operates like a rogue unit.

“It is an illegal detention facility where people are held incommunicado. Many detainees are tortured until they confess to crimes they never committed. Some do not make it out alive,” he asserted.

The horrifying accounts from former detainees, families, and activists have sparked renewed calls for urgent reforms in the Nigeria Police Force. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and the National Human Rights Commission, have condemned the extrajudicial killings, torture, and extortion rampant at Tiger Base.

Barrister Nduka emphasised the need for immediate action.

“The Nigerian government must dismantle Tiger Base and prosecute officers involved in human rights violations. A legal system should uphold justice, not oppress innocent citizens,” he stated.

As the pressure mounts, the big question remains: will the Nigerian authorities take decisive action to shut down Tiger Base and hold those responsible accountable? For now, victims like Opara and countless others continue to live with the trauma inflicted upon them by the very institution meant to protect them.

The legal implications of these actions by Tiger Base Police Personnel are profound. Human rights advocates argue that the continued detention and alleged torture of individuals at the Tiger Base facility violate multiple provisions of Nigerian and international law.

Legal experts have pointed out that arbitrary arrests, detentions without trial, and excessive use of force are all breaches of Nigeria’s constitutional provisions. Section 34(1) of the Nigerian Constitution states that “every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person,” which includes the right not to be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment. Furthermore, Section 35(1) guarantees the right to personal liberty, making unlawful detentions a clear violation.

Despite these legal safeguards, multiple testimonies from victims indicate that Tiger Base Police Personnel operate with impunity, using their position to detain and abuse individuals without accountability. Civil society groups have repeatedly called for the disbandment of this unit, citing its numerous human rights abuses and unlawful detention practices.

Meanwhile, RULAAC has documented numerous cases of alleged extortion, illegal detentions, and torture attributed to Tiger Base Police.

RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, stated: “There is a culture of impunity that allows these atrocities to persist. The Nigerian police have an obligation to uphold the law, not violate it. The government must act swiftly to investigate these allegations and hold those responsible accountable.”

In light of these revelations, several legal practitioners and human rights organisations have called for an independent investigation into the activities of Tiger Base Police Personnel. They argue that a transparent probe is necessary to determine the extent of human rights violations and to ensure justice for the victims.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also weighed in on the matter, emphasising the need for police reforms. The NBA’s Human Rights Committee has demanded that all detainees held at Tiger Base without charge be immediately released or presented before a competent court.

International bodies such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also expressed concerns over the reports emerging from Tiger Base. They have urged the Nigerian government to comply with its international human rights obligations, including the prohibition of torture and unlawful detentions.

As public outcry grows, stakeholders are urging the federal government to take decisive action. The call for accountability extends beyond Tiger Base to the entire policing system in Nigeria, which has faced longstanding accusations of corruption and abuse of power.

For victims like Mr. Promise and Mrs. Excel Ihekweme, justice remains elusive. However, with sustained advocacy and legal pressure, there is hope that reforms can be enacted to prevent further abuses and ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within the bounds of the law.

Victims and human rights organisations have accused the unit of unlawful detentions, extrajudicial killings, and torture, raising serious concerns over law enforcement practices in the region.

Families of victims have recounted harrowing experiences, with many claiming their loved ones were arrested without charge and never seen again. “We have been searching for my brother for over a year now,” one relative stated. “The police have refused to give us any information on his whereabouts.”

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have demanded urgent government intervention, insisting that the Tiger Base unit operates with impunity.

“There must be accountability for these violations,” an Amnesty spokesperson said. “The Nigerian authorities must ensure justice for victims and their families.”

Eyewitnesses have also shared accounts of severe torture methods allegedly used within the detention facility. One former detainee, who was released after months in custody, described being subjected to beatings and electric shocks. “They wanted me to confess to a crime I didn’t commit,” he recalled.

Legal practitioners in Rivers State have joined the outcry, calling for a thorough review of the unit’s operations. Barrister Chinedu Okeke, a human rights lawyer, argued that the lack of oversight has led to gross misconduct. “This unit has become a law unto itself. There must be reforms to prevent further abuses,” he said.

The Rivers State Police Command has denied the allegations, insisting that its officers operate within the bounds of the law.

“We take human rights seriously and will investigate any credible claims of misconduct,” a spokesperson stated. However, activists remain sceptical, pointing out that past allegations against the unit have not led to meaningful action.

Local activists have begun staging protests to demand justice for victims. On Monday, demonstrators gathered outside government offices, holding placards that read “End Police Brutality” and “Justice for the Missing.”

Amid growing pressure, lawmakers in the state assembly have called for a legislative probe into the Tiger Base operations. “The safety of our citizens is paramount. We cannot ignore these troubling reports,” one legislator stated.

With public anger rising, many Nigerians are calling on the federal government to step in. “If the state authorities fail to act, we will take our case to international bodies,” a victim’s family member warned.

The outcome of these calls for investigation remains uncertain, but the demands for justice continue to grow louder.

The Former Detainees Expose was culled from SaharaReporters

The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria, Abuja branch, has asked the Federal Ministry of Justice to partner with it to train judicial officers, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders on gender-sensitive approaches to justice delivery.

The request was made during a recent courtesy call on the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, by FIDA Abuja members led by its Chairperson, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko.

Before tabling several requests, Onyenucheya-Uko, in the course of the visit, shared FIDA Abuja’s ongoing initiatives aimed at advancing justice, including the establishment of student chapters, training of community paralegals, and the production of legal materials for the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV).

The FIDA Abuja Chairperson stressed the importance of continued collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice, noting the key role it plays in expanding access to justice across Nigeria.

She equally expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s support, including the provision of office space for FIDA Abuja and a venue for the branch’s monthly meetings.

The group which sought the issuance of a fiat enabling FIDA to prosecute gender-based violence (GBV) cases to expedite justice delivery also called for stronger collaboration with the Department of Public Prosecution and the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Unit to improve access to justice for victims and survivors.

The delegation requested approval for the continued use of the Ministry’s auditorium for FIDA’s monthly meetings and training sessions, as well as an additional office or conference room for the branch.

They further urged the Ministry to encourage more female State Counsel to register as FIDA members, with a special appeal to the Solicitor-General to renew her membership as a motivation for others.

Again, the delegation sought to enhance collaborative initiatives and training between FIDA and the Ministry to strengthen the branch’s capacity.

They proposed joint initiatives to train judicial officers, law enforcement agencies, and stakeholders on gender-sensitive approaches to justice delivery.

In response, Jedy-Agba commended FIDA for its continuous efforts in advocating for the rights of women, children, and vulnerable groups. She reaffirmed that gender-related issues remain central to the mandate of the Attorney General of the Federation and acknowledged FIDA’s significant contributions. She clarified that fiats are granted to individuals rather than organizations and advised FIDA to apply to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation for consideration on a case-by-case basis.

Regarding the use of the Ministry’s auditorium, she assured the delegation that applications from FIDA would be approved monthly, subject to availability.

She also pledged to consider the request for additional office space, approving the shared use of the conference room upon request to the Director of General Administration.

The Solicitor General went on to encourage all female Directorate-level lawyers present at the meeting, as well as female State Counsel in the Ministry, to join FIDA.