The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Imo State Commissioner of Police over the alleged abduction, unlawful detention and threats to the life of Mr. Okolie Christian Mmaduabuchukwu, Security Coordinator of Obor Autonomous Community in Orlu Local Government Area.
In the petition, dated Thursday and copied to the Inspector-General of Police, RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, urged the police authorities to immediately disclose Okolie’s whereabouts and ensure that his constitutional rights are protected.
According to the organisation, Okolie was allegedly taken from his residence in Umutanze, Obor Autonomous Community, Orlu LGA, at about 9:15 p.m. on August 5 by Mr. Chibuike Duru, popularly known as “Nwamgbenta,” alongside several unidentified individuals.
RULAAC alleged that the incident may be linked to Okolie’s public criticism of Duru over allegations of atrocities during discussions on a social media platform while Duru was in detention last month.
The group further claimed that after regaining his freedom, Duru allegedly vowed to retaliate against those who had criticised him or provided information about his alleged activities.
According to the petition, Okolie was reportedly taken to the Tiger Base facility in Owerri. However, RULAAC said the legal basis for his arrest, the allegations against him and the identities of those who transferred him to the facility remain unknown.
The organisation said the uncertainty surrounding Okolie’s whereabouts has caused serious concern among his family and members of the Obor community.
RULAAC also raised concerns over allegations against Duru, claiming that there are pending proceedings before the High Court in the Njaba Judicial Division involving allegations of enforced disappearance.
It further alleged that Duru had been arrested on several occasions but was repeatedly released under what it described as questionable circumstances. However, the group stressed that the allegations remain unproven and should be subjected to an impartial investigation.
The advocacy group called on the Commissioner of Police to immediately confirm whether Okolie is in police custody and disclose the legal grounds 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.
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“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 stated.
Citing Sections 34, 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Nigeria Police Act, RULAAC noted that the law guarantees every citizen the rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing and due process, while prohibiting arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention.
The organisation urged the police to treat the matter with urgency, warning that there were serious concerns for Okolie’s safety and calling for immediate action to safeguard his life and fundamental rights.
