What began as wedding preparations for a local businessman ended in alleged fatality, as the family of Mr. Johnbosco Onuocha claims he was unlawfully arrested, detained, and possibly executed by security operatives linked to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Imo State.
On Valentine’s Day 2022, masked armed men stormed the Onuocha family home in Umuoni, Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area.
The attackers, claiming to be searching for the family’s eldest son, Chinedu, assaulted Mr. Jonas Ike and looted personal belongings before setting the house ablaze.
Among the victims was Johnbosco, whose wedding was just around the corner.
A second attack occurred on April 26, 2023, when the newly rebuilt home was again looted and burned.
Locals whispered the involvement of the infamous Tiger Base squad, but authorities offered neither confirmation nor action. Fearing for their safety, the family relocated to Umuahia in Abia State.
On May 31, 2025, Johnbosco was reportedly abducted from his shop in Eke-Eziama Market by armed men posing as clients. Witnesses say he was handcuffed and whisked away in a white Sienna vehicle. His computer equipment and documents were also seized.
Despite frantic attempts by the family to locate him through various police departments — including Zone 9 SCID, Imo State Police Command, and Tiger Base — all denied involvement.
Days later, a newspaper press release vaguely claimed Johnbosco had engaged police in a gunfight and was shot and arrested, raising further questions.
On June 10, 2025, the family visited the Imo State Police Command. According to their account, CSP Ola of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit showed a video allegedly capturing Johnbosco’s confession.
He then confirmed that the suspect had been killed. When the family requested his remains for burial, they were reportedly assaulted and threatened with arrest.
Johnbosco was described as a respected youth leader and peace-loving entrepreneur with no criminal background. The family insists his confession was coerced and that he had previously received threats from cultists, possibly indicating he was targeted.
The family’s demands are clear: an independent investigation, access to his remains, legal redress and prosecution of involved officers, full compensation under applicable human rights laws and a court order for his appearance, dead or alive
Having exhausted resources and options, the family now appeals to the public, legal advocates, and human rights organisations for support in their quest for justice.
