The family of Magnus Ejiogu has formally petitioned the Chief Coroner of the Imo State High Court, seeking an inquest into his death while in custody of the Nigerian Police Force’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, popularly known as “Tiger Base,” in Owerri.
The petition, filed by legal counsel Kevin C. Uzozie, alleges that Ejiogu was tortured to death in police custody and calls for accountability.
Ejiogu, a transporter from Obudi Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area, was arrested on September 23, 2023, at the Control Post, Owerri.
According to the petition, he was held without access to legal representation or contact with his family. The family claims they were unaware of his death until October 27, 2025, four days after his body had reportedly been deposited at a mortuary.
The petition describes Ejiogu’s death as “violent, unnatural, sudden, and painful,” asserting that he was tortured continuously while in custody. It highlights discrepancies in the police’s timeline and mortuary records, noting that the body was deposited on October 23, yet the family was told he died on October 27.
The family is invoking Section 6 of the Coroner Law of Imo State, requesting the appointment of a coroner to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ejiogu’s death. “We believe that the death of Magnus Ejiogu was not natural,” the petition states.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Ola, who heads the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, denied the allegations, stating, “We are protecting the people. We don’t engage in killings.” He confirmed that the family and legal representatives are in discussions with the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Owerri.
However, the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Global Defence Consortium (MNGDC) has condemned the police’s explanation as a “criminal cover-up.” In a statement signed by Barrister Christopher Chidera, the group described Ejiogu’s death as a “state-sanctioned custodial murder,” rejecting claims that he died of illness.
The Consortium demanded an independent autopsy, release of detention records, and prosecution of officers involved. It warned against the “State’s criminalisation of identity,” arguing that being labelled an “IPOB sponsor” has become a “death warrant” in Nigeria.
“This citizen was not tried, not convicted, not sentenced, yet he ended up dead. That is extrajudicial killing, plain and simple,” the statement read.
The group further accused Nigerian security agencies of operating a “kill-on-suspicion” policy and described the police as a “State-protected execution squad.” It vowed to pursue legal action and public accountability, declaring, “This latest killing will not be buried in silence. Those responsible must face justice.”
The case has reignited concerns over human rights abuses and custodial deaths in Nigeria. Legal experts and civil society groups are calling for systemic reforms and greater transparency in law enforcement operations.
As the petition awaits judicial review, the Ejiogu family and advocacy groups continue to demand answers and justice for a man they say was wrongfully detained and brutally killed.
