The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Imo State Police Command to investigate an alleged incident at Orji Flyover, Owerri, in which police operatives reportedly rounded up young men in a manner that led bystanders to suspect a kidnapping was underway, prompting soldiers to intercept the vehicle.
In a statement issued Sunday, RULAAC’s Executive Director, Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the organisation was concerned about reports of the incident, which allegedly occurred on the evening of Sunday, 12 July 2026, and involved operatives of the Imo State Police Command and soldiers manning a nearby military checkpoint.
Citing eyewitness accounts corroborated by an independent witness, Nwanguma said armed police operatives travelling in a white bus allegedly forced several young men into their vehicle along the roadside without explanation, in a manner that made bystanders believe a kidnapping was taking place.
According to the statement, concerned members of the public alerted soldiers at the checkpoint, who intercepted the vehicle, believing they were confronting suspected kidnappers. A potentially violent confrontation was averted only after the vehicle’s occupants identified themselves as police officers, and some of the young men were reportedly released following the soldiers’ intervention.
“If these reports are accurate, the incident raises serious concerns about the manner in which police operations are being conducted and the consequences of tactics that create fear rather than public confidence,” Nwanguma said, adding that law enforcement operations “should be intelligence-driven, professional, lawful, and clearly identifiable” and should never resemble criminal abduction.
He warned that such incidents, beyond endangering lives, erode public trust in the police and undermine efforts by the Nigeria Police Force leadership to promote professionalism and community-oriented policing.
Nwanguma disclosed that RULAAC had already brought the matter to the attention of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, who responded that he was already addressing it — a response the group described as commendable.
The rights group, however, urged the Commissioner to ensure a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation. It specifically called on the police to establish the identities of the officers involved and the unit responsible for the operation, and to determine whether the operation complied with the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Act, the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, and the Force’s operational guidelines. RULAAC also urged the Command to ascertain the circumstances under which the young men were apprehended and whether their rights were violated, and to make the findings of its investigation public, holding accountable — through appropriate disciplinary or criminal processes — anyone found culpable.
“Transparency is essential not only to determine the facts but also to reassure residents that the police remain committed to lawful policing and that no officer is above accountability,” Nwanguma said.
He also appealed to members of the public who witnessed the incident, or who have photographs, videos or other relevant information, to cooperate with investigators to help establish the facts.
RULAAC noted that the Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights, and said a prompt, transparent handling of the matter would reinforce that commitment and strengthen public confidence in policing in Imo State.
