Alleged vigilante abuses: Rights group demands urgent police probe in Imo community
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the police authorities in Imo State to urgently investigate alleged human rights abuses linked to a self-acclaimed vigilante
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the police authorities in Imo State to urgently investigate alleged human rights abuses linked to a self-acclaimed vigilante leader operating in Njaba Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Friday, the group said it received disturbing reports of alleged atrocities committed in Egwedu Autonomous Community, Atta, where a vigilante leader, Chibuike Duru, also known as “Nwamgbenta,” is accused of running an illegal detention facility and extorting residents.
RULAAC said it verified aspects of the allegations through media sources and contacts within the affected community, noting that although some claims are yet to be officially confirmed, available information suggests a pattern of serious violations requiring immediate intervention by the Nigeria Police Force.
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According to the group, residents are allegedly subjected to arbitrary arrests and detention, with victims reportedly forced to pay money to secure their release while relatives of detainees are forced to pay money before providing food for detainees.
It further alleged that armed vigilantes openly carry prohibited weapons and that at least two deaths in recent months have been linked to the group’s operations.
The advocacy organisation also disclosed that a human rights lawyer had submitted a formal petition to both the police and the National Human Rights Commission, demanding the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of those allegedly involved.
