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OWERRI, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — Eleven civil society organizations have accused Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State of using rogue police units to target critics, including journalists and political opponents, in what they described as a campaign of repression.
In a joint statement released on Saturday, the groups highlighted the recent arrests of broadcast journalist Chinonso Uba, popularly known as Nonso Nkwa, and political opponent Dr. Fabian Ihekweme as examples of a disturbing pattern of harassment and abuse.
“These instances exemplify a disturbing pattern of repression targeting journalists, human rights activists, and political dissenters in Imo State,” the statement read.
The groups alleged that officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit at Tiger Base and the State Investigation Department (SID) of the Imo State Police Command have engaged in politically motivated arrests, torture, and extortion under the guise of enforcing the law.
“Utilizing these rogue units, the governor has resorted to abduction-style tactics against perceived opponents, leading to prolonged detentions and deliberately stalling trials to silence dissent,” the statement continued.
The civil society organizations also praised Imo State Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma for his professionalism and integrity but expressed concern that rogue elements within the police force are undermining his efforts to maintain law and order.
“We commend Commissioner Danjuma’s commitment to upholding the law. However, political interference from the state government threatens to tarnish his noble reputation,” the statement said.
The groups called on Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take immediate action against the officers involved and ensure that the police in Imo State act with integrity rather than as tools of political repression.
The statement also drew attention to the deteriorating health of the detained individuals, citing reports of inhumane treatment.
“Chinonso Uba is reportedly suffering from swollen legs indicative of inhumane treatment, and Dr. Ihekweme’s wife has raised urgent concerns about her husband’s health and safety,” the groups noted.
The organizations urged local and international human rights bodies to pressure Governor Uzodinma to release the detainees and respect the rights to free speech and assembly.
“We call upon the global community to join us in demanding that Governor Uzodinma upholds freedom of expression and releases Chinonso Uba and Dr. Fabian Ihekweme immediately,” the statement concluded.
The signatories include the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy, and Development (FENRAD) and the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), among others.
