The Executive Director of Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre – RULAAC (RULAAC), Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, has written to the Nigerian Bar Association Secretariat (NBA House), Headquarters urging it to ensure the Nigeria Police complies with the High Court and ECOWAS Court orders to compensate Gloria Okolie for her abuse in custody.
Nwanguman wrote: “The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre – RULAAC wishes to draw your esteemed attention to the grave injustices inflicted upon Gloria Okolie, a 21-year-old who endured appalling treatment while in police custody.
Born in June 2000, Gloria went missing on June 17, 2021, shortly after her birthday and during her preparations for the JAMB examination.
“Her family, devastated by her disappearance, searched tirelessly through hospitals, mortuaries, and police stations in Owerri. Gloria’s mother, Virginia, a single parent struggling to support her family by selling fried yams, was left in agony during this period.
“Towards the end of June 2021, Gloria’s family learned from a recently released detainee that she was being held by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) at the Tiger Base, Owerri, where she was subjected to forced labour as a “maid” sweeping and cooking for the officers.
“Attempts to secure her release were met with extortion and denial from police operatives, culminating in unfulfilled promises to release her. It was only after sustained public outcry that the police confirmed her detention, subsequently labelling her as a “spy” for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“This statement, made after 70 days of unlawful detention, aimed to justify her abuse. Gloria’s family vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that she had no connections to IPOB and was merely a victim of circumstances.
“Despite the lack of credible evidence, Gloria was transferred to Abuja, where she remained in custody without being charged. The police’s actions violated her rights to personal liberty, fair trial, and legal representation, as outlined in the Police Act 2020 and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
“Gloria was only charged on November 23, 2021 – after 5 months in pretrial detention – after significant public pressure, and was later granted bail. Additionally, the ECOWAS Court ordered the Nigeria Police Force to pay her N30 million in compensation for the violation of her rights, and the FCT High Court awarded a further N60 million. The total owed to Gloria now stands at N90 million.
“Gloria’s case exemplifies the broader issues within Nigeria’s law enforcement, where countless individuals endure similar violations without recourse to justice. Women like Gloria often remain silent due to fear of retaliation and social stigma, compounding their suffering.
“We respectfully urge you, as the President of the NBA and the guardian of the rule of law, to take appropriate measures to push the authorities to ensure the Nigeria Police complies with the High Court and ECOWAS Court orders to compensate Gloria Okolie for her abuse in custody.
Implement reforms to address the systemic issues of police brutality and unlawful detentions across Nigeria and Foster an environment of accountability and protection for victims, ensuring that justice is accessible to all citizens.
“Gloria’s story is an urgent call for action to dismantle the systems perpetuating impunity, uphold human rights, and promote trust in our justice system. The federal government must demonstrate its commitment to democratic values and the rule of law by ensuring justice for Gloria Okolie.”
