Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Commissioner of Police in Imo State over the alleged abduction, unlawful detention and threats to the life of Mr. Okolie Christian Mmaduabuchukwu, the Security Coordinator of Obor Autonomous Community in Orlu Local Government Area.
In a petition on Thursday and copied to the Inspector-General of Police, the Executive Director of RULAAC, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, urged the police authorities to urgently disclose Mr. Okolie’s whereabouts and ensure his constitutional rights are protected.
Mr. Okolie was allegedly taken from his residence in Obor Autonomous Community, Umutanze, Orlu LGA, at about 9:15 p.m. on August 5 by Mr. Chibuike Duru, popularly known as “Nwamgbenta,” and several unidentified persons.
RULAAC said it received information suggesting that Mr. Okolie’s alleged offence was publicly criticising Mr. Duru over allegations of atrocities during discussions on a social media platform while Duru was in detention last month.
The organisation further alleged that after regaining his freedom, Mr. Duru reportedly threatened to retaliate against individuals who had spoken against him or provided information concerning his alleged activities.
According to the petition, Mr. Okolie has reportedly been taken to the Tiger Base facility in Owerri, but the legal basis for his arrest and detention, the allegations against him and the identity of those who transferred him there remain unclear.
RULAAC said the uncertainty surrounding Okolie’s whereabouts has left his family and members of the Obor community in distress.
The advocacy group also raised concerns over allegations against Mr. Duru, claiming there are pending proceedings before the High Court in the Njaba Judicial Division involving allegations of enforced disappearance.
It further alleged that Mr. Duru had been arrested on several occasions but was repeatedly released under what it described as questionable circumstances. However, the group noted that the allegations remain unproven and should be subjected to impartial investigation.
RULAAC called on the Commissioner of Police to immediately confirm whether Mr. Okolie is in police custody and disclose the legal basis for his detention.
“We demand that the police protect him from torture, intimidation, enforced disappearance or extrajudicial execution, grant his family and legal representatives immediate access to him, and order his release if there is no lawful basis for his continued detention.
“We also call on the police to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Okolie’s arrest, as well as the alleged involvement of Mr. Duru and any other persons. There should be a broader investigation into allegations of unlawful detention, enforced disappearances and other criminal activities allegedly linked to Mr. Duru and any collaborators. Anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the group said.
Citing Sections 34, 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, alongside the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Nigeria Police Act, RULAAC said the law guarantees every citizen’s rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing and due process, and prohibits arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention.
The group urged the police to treat the matter as one of urgent public importance, warning that there were grave fears for Mr. Okolie’s safety and calling for immediate action to safeguard his life and liberty.
