NBA Committee Inspects Imo Police Tiger Base Unit
The Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, led by Dr. Ethelbert Obiora Eze, conducted an unscheduled visit to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, also known as Tiger Base, on Saturday.
This visit was prompted by recent complaints from Barrister Chinedu Agu, who alleged violations of detainees’ rights, including undue detention, extortion, and other unlawful practices by personnel of the unit.
During the visit, the committee inspected the entire facility, including the cells, and interviewed some detained suspects regarding the crimes they were alleged to have committed.
The Human Rights lawyers also engaged with the top management team of the command present during the inspection and provided recommendations for effective policing.
The committee commended the unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, for its unwavering commitment and significant contributions to combating high-level crimes in the state, as well as for the quality of infrastructure at the unit.
Dr. Eze stated, “We are here to ensure that all standards of human rights and dignity of life are observed and respected by personnel of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command.”
In response, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, represented by his Deputy in charge of Operations, DCP Hazmat Abdukadri, expressed gratitude to the team for their visit and assured them that their concerns would be addressed.
CP Bosso reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring that all personnel comply with the rule of law, remain free from corruption, and perform their duties professionally and diligently.
He emphasized that the command has never spared officers who violate citizens’ rights, particularly those under their custody, and that those previously caught in misconduct have been appropriately sanctioned.
CP Bosso further solicited continued support and cooperation from the public in areas that would ensure effective policing of the state and stated that the command would continuously partner with the NBA and other key stakeholders to address all concerns and improve service delivery.
