The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has filed an urgent petition with the Inspector-General of Police, alleging a disturbing campaign of extrajudicial violence, torture, and collusion between police operatives and an illegal vigilante group in Imo State.
The petition, signed by RULAAC Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma, centres on the arrest and shooting of two citizens, Mr. Uchechukwu Maduakolam and Mr. Kenneth Anyanwu, who are allegedly being held under “false narratives” by the Imo State Police Command.
According to an internal police situation report (SITREP), the victims are linked to the outlawed IPOB/ESN and were injured during a gun battle with operatives. The police further claim that Maduakolam, alias “Ebube Virus,” has confessed to multiple grave crimes.
However, RULAAC has countered this official account, citing eyewitness testimonies that describe a peaceful village gathering rather than a combat zone. The petition states that the official narrative appears inconsistent with credible accounts from community sources, which indicate the incident occurred in a civilian setting with no evidence of an armed confrontation.
The rights group identified a specific officer, Mr. Chinedu Iwueke, as the individual who allegedly shot Mr. Anyanwu. The petition further alleges that Iwueke stole ₦47,000 from Anyanwu at the scene. In a separate development, RULAAC alleged that a “sponsor” previously identified by the police, Mr. Jude Egwim Ezeala, was recently released under questionable circumstances following the reported payment of a large sum of money, raising fears of systemic extortion.
A central pillar of the petition is the activities of a local vigilante group known as the “Royal Guards.” RULAAC alleges that the group, reportedly established by traditional ruler Eze Okwudiri Divine Nwandu, is being used to intimidate residents of Ihitteaforukwu and target political opponents.
The group claims that senior aides to the Eze coordinated the operation that led to the shooting and arrest of the victims, suggesting a dangerous collusion between state actors and non-state actors.
While Mr. Anyanwu is reported to be in severe pain with untreated rib injuries, the whereabouts of Mr. Maduakolam remain unknown. RULAAC warned that the lack of access to Maduakolam raises credible fears of enforced disappearance.
The petition highlights a pattern of behaviour by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base), citing previous cases where the unit allegedly constructed incriminating narratives or claimed suspects were shot while trying to escape to cover up extrajudicial acts.
RULAAC has called on the Inspector-General of Police to intervene immediately. The group is demanding the immediate disclosure of Uchechukwu Maduakolam’s location and verifiable proof of life. They are also seeking the urgent transfer of Kenneth Anyanwu to an independent medical facility for proper treatment.
Furthermore, the petition calls for a transparent investigation into the “Royal Guards,” an inquiry into the authenticity of the police SITREP, and the immediate suspension of all implicated officers, including Chinedu Iwueke. Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma stated that the Nigeria Police Force must not allow its institutions to be used to legitimise unlawful violence or settle personal scores, urging the IGP to ensure accountability at all levels.
At the time of this report, the Imo State Police Command has not released an updated statement regarding the specific allegations of extortion or the current status of the detainees. #Securitynewsalert.com
