Group Calls For Immediate Closure Of Illegal Detention Cells In Imo State

A Non governmental organization, The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), has called for the immediate closure of illegal detention cells in Imo state.

This is against the backdrop of the harrowing account of illegal detention of a 25-year-old woman who was held in an unventilated cell for three months without trial, merely over the theft of her mobile phone.

CEHRAWS said “this disturbing trend underscores a growing pattern of state-sponsored police brutality that must be addressed with urgency.”

In a statement on Monday titled, “URGENT CALL FOR INVESTIGATION, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND CIVIL ACTION AGAINST ALLEGED INHUMAN TREATMENT AT TIGER BASE POLICE FACILITY” and signed by its Executive Director, Okoye, Chuka Peter, CEHRAWS advocated for urgent investigation by the Inspector General of Police.

The full statement:

PRESS RELEASE

URGENT CALL FOR INVESTIGATION, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND CIVIL ACTION AGAINST ALLEGED INHUMAN TREATMENT AT TIGER BASE POLICE FACILITY

Issued by: Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS)

Date: March 17, 2025

The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) is deeply alarmed by the recent investigative reports exposing shocking allegations of human rights abuses at the Tiger Base Police Facility, operated by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit under the Imo State Police Command. The report, which details systemic acts of torture, unlawful detention, and degrading treatment of detainees, raises grave concerns about the blatant disregard for the rule of law and fundamental human rights within the facility.

One particularly harrowing account reveals that a 25-year-old woman was held in an unventilated cell for three months without trial, merely over the theft of her mobile phone. This disturbing trend underscores a growing pattern of state-sponsored police brutality that must be addressed with urgency.

The reported actions of the Tiger Base Police directly violate multiple provisions of Nigeria’s legal framework, including but not limited to:

1. The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended):

• Section 34(1)(a): Guarantees every individual’s right to dignity, explicitly prohibiting torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
• Section 35(1): Protects against unlawful detention and ensures that detainees must be charged promptly or released.

1. The Anti-Torture Act 2017:

• Section 2: Defines acts of torture, including systematic beatings, food deprivation, and confinement in unventilated spaces.
• Section 3: Categorically states that no circumstances, including war or political instability, can justify torture.
• Section 8: Prescribes a penalty of up to 25 years imprisonment for public officials guilty of acts of torture.

1. The Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015:

• Section 8(1): Mandates humane treatment of suspects and prohibits torture.
• Section 15(4): Emphasizes the right of suspects to have their statements taken in the presence of a lawyer.

The documented atrocities at Tiger Base Police Facility represent a clear violation of both Nigerian and international human rights laws, including the United Nations Convention Against Torture, which Nigeria has ratified.

In light of these shocking revelations, CEHRAWS makes the following urgent demands:

1. Independent Investigation & Prosecution of Perpetrators:

We call on the Inspector General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and the National Human Rights Commission to launch an independent and transparent inquiry into the operations of the Tiger Base Police Facility. Any officer found complicit in these human rights violations must be prosecuted under the Anti-Torture Act 2017.

2. Immediate Closure of Illegal Detention Cells ko:

The Imo State Government, through the Commissioner of Police, must take swift action to shut down all unauthorized detention cells within the state and ensure that detainees are either charged to court or released.

3. Compensation & Rehabilitation for Victims:

The victims of these inhumane acts deserve immediate restitution, medical care, and legal support to recover from the trauma inflicted upon them. The Nigerian Government must establish a compensation framework for affected individuals.

4. Legislative & Policy Reform:

We urge members of the National Assembly and Imo State House of Assembly to initiate urgent legislative oversight and push for reforms that mandate stricter accountability measures for law enforcement agencies.

5. Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms:

There is an urgent need for independent monitoring bodies to oversee police activities in detention facilities across Nigeria. We call for the establishment of a Police Oversight Committee in Imo to monitor compliance with human rights standards.

Beyond government intervention, civil society, religious institutions, the media, and community leaders must rise to the occasion to safeguard human rights in Imo State and beyond. CEHRAWS calls upon:

• The Imo State Government to take immediate steps in addressing pol
  brutality and ensure that law enforcement agencies operates within the limits of the law.
• Senators and House of Representatives members from Imo State to take this matter before the National Assembly for urgent deliberation.
• Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society actors to actively condemn these abuses and demand justice for victims.
• The media to continue exposing human rights violations and holding perpetrators accountable through investigative journalism.
• The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and human rights lawyers to make strong statements against the said atrocious activities of the Tiger Base Police facility and also make themselves available to provide pro bono legal support for victims and ensure they get the justice they deserve.
• This is not just an attack on detainees — it is an attack on our collective dignity as Nigerians. If we allow these atrocities to persist, we risk normalizing impunity and state-sponsored oppression.
• CEHRAWS remains steadfast in its commitment to ending police brutality, protecting human rights, and ensuring accountability at all levels of governance. The Imo State Government and the Nigeria Police Force must act immediately to prevent further harm, restore public trust, and uphold the sanctity of the rule of law.
• We urge all stakeholders, both at the state and national levels, to treat this as a national emergency — because justice delayed is justice denied.
• Signed:
• Okoye, Chuka Peter
• Executive Director, CEHRAWS
• 📧 Email: cehraws@gmail.com
• 📞 Phone: +234-803-552-9865