The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised the alarm over alleged threats to the lives of activists and journalists connected to ongoing advocacy for accountability over reported human rights abuses at the police facility known as Tiger Base in Owerri, Imo State.
In a statement on Monday, the Executive Director of RULAAC, Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, disclosed that an Owerri-based independent radio broadcaster, activist and social critic, Mr Nonso Nkwa, informed him earlier in the day that he had received a threat of assassination. According to Nwanguma, the threat was allegedly traced to sources described as close to Tiger Base.
Nwanguma said Nkwa requested that the information be made public as a protective measure, citing fears for his safety.
The RULAAC director also revealed that he personally received a warning last week advising him to stay away from Owerri and to take his personal security seriously. He said the warning was similarly linked to information allegedly originating from individuals connected to Tiger Base.
According to Nwanguma, the threats appear to be connected to sustained public outrage and advocacy by civil society groups, journalists and activists demanding accountability, justice for victims, and institutional responsibility for alleged grave human rights violations at the facility.
“Advocacy for accountability and the rule of law is not a crime,” Nwanguma said, stressing that intimidation or threats against those demanding justice only heighten public concern and underscore the need for independent and transparent investigations.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately ensure the safety of individuals raising concerns about Tiger Base and to urgently investigate the reported threats. He also urged the Police Service Commission and other relevant oversight bodies to take note of what he described as a disturbing pattern of intimidation and to act decisively.
Nwanguma further appealed to Amnesty International and other international human rights organisations to closely monitor the situation and provide protective attention to those facing threats for speaking out.
He also called on civil society organisations, the media and the general public to remain vigilant and to continue demanding accountability through lawful and peaceful means.
“Silencing critics will not erase the facts, the victims’ testimonies, or the need for justice. It will only compound the crisis of confidence in law enforcement,” he warned.
Nwanguma said the alert was issued in the public interest and placed on record amid growing concerns over the safety of advocates calling for accountability over alleged abuses linked to Tiger Base.
