A civil society organisation, the Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development, has condemned the alleged assault, intimidation, harassment, and humiliation of residents by police officers attached to the Ukwunwangwu Division in Uturu, Okigwe area of Abia State.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the group expressed concern over what it described as increasing reports of unlawful arrests, extortion, public humiliation, violent assault, and intimidation of innocent residents, particularly youths in the Uturu community.
The organisation said the allegations, if not addressed, could erode public trust in law enforcement institutions and undermine the constitutional rights and dignity of citizens.
“It is unacceptable that residents who should ordinarily feel protected by security agencies now allegedly live in fear of harassment and abuse from those entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding lives and property,” the statement read.
FENRAD alleged that recurring complaints of police misconduct in Uturu portray “a troubling picture of abuse of authority, excessive use of force, and disregard for human rights and the rule of law.”
The group specifically condemned alleged illegal extortion and unauthorised roadblocks, brutal assault and degrading treatment of residents, arbitrary arrests and unlawful detention, intimidation and profiling of youths based on their appearance or possession of phones, laptops, vehicles, or lifestyle, as well as threats and abuse of power by security personnel.
According to the organisation, no citizen should be subjected to torture, humiliation, or unlawful treatment contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Police Act 2020, the Anti-Torture Act, and other human rights laws binding on security agencies.
FENRAD called on the Abia State Police Command and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to launch an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations against officers attached to the Uturu Division.
The organisation also urged the authorities to identify and sanction any personnel found culpable of misconduct, brutality, extortion, or human rights violations, while dismantling alleged illegal checkpoints and extortion points in the area.
The group further called for strict compliance with professional policing standards and human rights principles, stressing the need to restore public confidence through accountability, responsible policing, and community engagement.
FENRAD urged residents and victims of alleged abuse to remain peaceful and law-abiding while documenting incidents through lawful channels in pursuit of justice.
“Security agencies must understand that effective policing can only thrive where there is mutual respect, public trust, professionalism, and accountability. The use of violence, fear, and intimidation against innocent citizens has no place in a democratic society,” the statement added.
