– RULAAC Advisory Series
Recent reports of torture, illegal detention, and suspicious deaths linked to operatives of Tiger Base in Owerri are deeply disturbing. In many of these tragic cases, timely intervention could have saved lives.
As family members and legal representatives of persons in police custody, especially at Tiger Base, your role in preventing abuse is critical.
This advisory is to urge you not to wait until a relative or client has died in custody before speaking out. Early action can make the difference between life and death.
*What You Should Know:*
Tiger Base operatives have been implicated in severe human rights abuses, including prolonged incommunicado detention, extortion, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
The current Commissioner of Police in Imo State has shown a professional and responsive approach to complaints. In numerous instances, he has:
– Ordered the release of illegally detained individuals,
– Ensured the return of money extorted from relatives,
– Initiated disciplinary action against officers found to have violated the law.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) is also known to respond promptly to well-documented complaints.
However, these interventions can only happen if the cases are reported.
*What You Should Do:*
- Act Immediately Upon Arrest or Detention:
Do not wait for extended periods or expect the situation to resolve itself.
The first hours and days of detention are the most critical.
- Report to the Right Authorities:
Contact the Commissioner of Police or the PPRO in Imo State.
Provide all relevant details: name of the detainee, date of arrest, location of detention, and any information about the arresting officers.
- Engage Credible Human Rights Organisations:
Organisations like RULAAC and others have direct channels to senior police authorities and can help escalate the matter.
Civil society groups can also monitor the case, provide legal support, and amplify public awareness if necessary.
*4. Keep Documentation* :
Keep a record of all communications, receipts (if money is extorted), and any medical or legal documents.
These may be essential for demanding justice and accountability.
*Why This Matters* :
The failure to act early is part of what allows abuses to continue unchecked. Many who have died in Tiger Base custody could have been saved if their detention had been promptly reported. Families must not allow fear or intimidation to silence them.
Tiger Base reportedly operates with a level of autonomy and impunity that makes it more dangerous than many criminal elements it claims to fight. Its unchecked activities are not only a threat to individuals but also to the credibility of the entire Police Force.
*Final Word* :
Protecting your loved ones begins with swift and informed action. Demand accountability. Raise your voice early. Save a life.
Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma is a human rights activist in Nigeria and also, Executive Director of RULAAC.
