The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has filed four lawsuits against the anti‑kidnapping unit of the Imo State Police Command, known locally as Tiger Base, alleging widespread abuse. The suits were lodged in the Imo State High Court in Owerri on 21 July 2026 and are set for hearing on 5 August 2026. Eight victims are named across the cases, which accuse the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector‑General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, the commander of the anti‑kidnapping unit, ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, and several officers attached to the unit of torture, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance of children, forced labour, extortion and extrajudicial killings.
One suit claims that several women were arrested on allegations tied to their husbands’ activities and detained for extended periods. The applicants say they were forced to perform cooking, cleaning and construction tasks, and that some were separated from their young children, whose whereabouts remain unknown. Another complaint alleges that a nursing mother was taken from her infant after arrest, subjected to physical assault, coercion and an unlawful withdrawal of money from her bank account.
In Suit No: HOW/475/2026, the applicants seek a declaration that the removal of Onyebuchi Anyanwu’s children—Peculiar (5 years), Ihuoma (8 years) and Onyinyechi (3 years)—and the removal of Chinenye Obi’s infant son (1 year 9 months) and the continued failure to disclose their whereabouts, welfare and custody are unlawful and constitute ongoing violations of the dignity and family rights of the mothers and children.
A separate filing by a female applicant from Abia State accuses officers of torture, sexual humiliation, denial of medical care and prolonged detention. She is seeking compensation and disciplinary action against the officers alleged to have abused her.
The fourth suit involves Trader Kenneth Anyanwu, who claims he was shot from behind by a police officer while unarmed, resulting in severe injuries. He further alleges that he was denied immediate medical attention and unlawfully deprived of personal funds during the incident.
RULAAC Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma said the cases present an opportunity for the judiciary to examine longstanding allegations of abuse linked to the Tiger Base unit. “The proceedings will test Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law,” he added. “Victims of torture and unlawful detention deserve redress through lawful processes.”
The Imo State High Court will hear the four suits on 5 August 2026. The outcome could set a precedent for police accountability in Nigeria and signal the judiciary’s willingness to confront alleged abuses by law‑enforcement agencies. The cases underscore the need for transparent investigations and the protection of constitutional rights for all citizens.
