Group urges probe of alleged torture, extortion in Tiger Base

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Rights group, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre has urged probe into a viral video showing alleged torture, extrajudicial killing among others in the notorious Tiger Base, an anti-kidnapping unit of the Nigeria Police in Owerri, saying it smacked of lip service that relevant authorities were neglecting calls to shut the torture facility.

It said the attempt by the police spokesperson in the state, DSP Henry Okoye, to stage a cover up of the alleged atrocities going in the facility would continually fail as evidences abound.

The Executive Director of the group, Dr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, said this in a statement on Monday.

He said, “The statement issued by the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, dismissing a viral video alleging torture, organ trafficking, and extrajudicial killings at Tiger Base, deserves careful consideration. It is entirely possible – and indeed likely – that the particular video in circulation is false, exaggerated, or maliciously packaged. Misinformation is a growing challenge, and it is responsible policing for the command to clarify facts, correct distortions, and warn against the weaponisation of falsehoods.

“However, what cannot be dismissed – and what the PPRO’s statement conspicuously avoids – is the undeniable, well-documented pattern of egregious human rights violations committed by operatives of Tiger Base over the past three years.

“While the Command refutes the allegations in the video, it has not refuted the far more serious allegations consistently reported by victims, families, lawyers, and civil society organisations.

“The police spokesperson highlights that the Anti-Kidnapping Unit has “dismantled several notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicates,” contributing to improved security in Imo State.

This may be true, and credit must be given where due. Policing is essential, and communities benefit when crime is disrupted.

“Yet, no number of operational successes can cancel out or justify torture, extortion, enforced disappearances, or extrajudicial killings. A unit can record achievements and still commit atrocities. The two realities are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the credibility of the police depends on their ability to enforce the law without breaking it.

“For years, RULAAC and other observers have documented consistent abuses at Tiger Base: Unlawful arrests over civil disputes, denial of access to lawyers and families, detention without trial, torture used as investigation, extortion as a condition for release, and in some cases, suspicious deaths and disappearances. These are not rumours – they are cases backed by petitions, sworn statements, medical reports, and repeated appeals for intervention.”

It added, “Izuchukwu Madueke, arrested in 2023 over a civil business disagreement, detained in violation of Section 32 of the Police Act, and released only after extortion.

“Two young men arrested “in error” at an ATM, tortured despite acknowledgement of wrongful arrest, and released only after paying money.

“Other victims whose identities are withheld for safety, who have narrated harrowing experiences of beatings, starvation, denial of bail, and threats of death.

“These are not isolated events; they are signatures of a unit operating with no functional oversight, no adherence to the Police Act 2020, and no respect for the Anti-Torture Act 2017.

“The police command is right to challenge falsehoods. But addressing misinformation without addressing the real, systemic violations that created the distrust in the first place is inadequate. The police cannot rebuild public confidence through press statements alone. Trust is earned through accountability, transparency, and structural reform.”

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