The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has filed a formal petition with the Inspector-General of Police, calling for an immediate investigation into the alleged illegal detention and “malicious prosecution” of Mr Nebo Kingsley by officers of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
The petition, signed by RULAAC Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma and dated March 10, 2026, alleges that despite being exonerated by the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU), Mr. Kingsley continues to face systemic harassment and a looming court arraignment based on a discredited investigation.
According to the advocacy group, Mr. Kingsley was previously detained for over a month under conditions described as “humiliating and degrading.” Following his release, a CRU investigation reportedly cleared him of all charges and recommended sanctions for the arresting IRT officers. However, RULAAC alleges that the IRT has bypassed these findings, forwarding their original, discredited report to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (Legal) to initiate a fresh prosecution.
“Such a development is deeply troubling,” Nwanguma stated in the petition. “It raises serious concerns about disregard for the findings of the Police Complaint Response Unit and the possibility of malicious prosecution despite an earlier exoneration through the Force’s internal accountability mechanism.”
Beyond the legal battle, the petition highlights a breach of privacy and professional ethics. Mr. Kingsley claims that while in custody, officers took his photograph and shared it with his private rivals. The petition notes that these photographs have since been circulated online and used to defame his character and subject him to cyberbullying, thereby exposing him to reputational harm and potential threats to his personal safety.
In a series of specific requests to the Inspector-General, RULAAC is urging an immediate review of the matter to halt any prosecution based on the faulted IRT report. The organisation is also demanding that any charges already initiated against Mr Kingsley be withdrawn in the interest of justice.
Furthermore, the petition calls for the full implementation of the CRU’s disciplinary findings and a thorough investigation into the conduct of officers who allegedly shared the victim’s photographs.
The advocacy group emphasised that the case serves as a litmus test for the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to internal accountability, professionalism, and the protection of human rights.
