The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has formally petitioned the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9 Headquarters, Umuahia, over what it describes as a “threatening and unprofessional message” allegedly sent by a police officer to a Nigerian citizen, Mr. Thomas Kalu.
In a letter signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, and dated August 6, 2025, the civil rights organisation raised alarm over an SMS sent from mobile number 08039367905, reportedly summoning Mr. Kalu to Zone 9 Headquarters in a threatening tone.
The message allegedly read: “Mr. Thomas Kalu, you are invited tomorrow, Monday, by 10:00 am in Zone 9, Umuahia. Respect, they say, is reciprocal. If you fail to honour this invitation, you will be embarrassed in a manner you least expected. While coming, call this number and ask the Political Desk Zone 9, Umuahia. Failure to appear in the office tomorrow, you will be arrested and treated like a common criminal.”
RULAAC described the message as “disturbing,” “unprofessional,” and “an abuse of police powers,” noting that the tone amounted to intimidation and discreditable conduct unbecoming of a law enforcement officer.
The letter, which also referenced a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) official in Umuahia who had been informed about the matter, stated that the unnamed sender of the message declined to identify herself when contacted by a relative of Mr. Kalu.
According to RULAAC, the NHRC official had reportedly met with the AIG on August 5 regarding the matter, during which the police chief was said to have expressed concern about the message’s content.
While acknowledging the AIG’s initial response, RULAAC urged the police authority to take swift and transparent action to identify the officer involved and ensure accountability.
“We are following up to inquire about the steps that have been taken or are being considered in response to this serious breach of professional conduct,” the petition concluded.
As of press time, Zone 9 Police Headquarters has yet to issue an official response.
