The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has filed four fundamental rights enforcement suits before the Imo State High Court in Owerri, accusing the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, popularly known as “Tiger Base,” of alleged torture, unlawful detention, forced labour, extrajudicial abuses and other human rights violations.
The suits, filed on behalf of eight applicants, list the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other police officers as respondents.
The cases, which have been scheduled for hearing on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, allege that some of the applicants were arbitrarily arrested, detained for prolonged periods without trial, subjected to torture and degrading treatment, and forced to carry out labour while in police custody.
The applicants are also alleging that some women were arrested alongside their children, who were subsequently separated from them, with their whereabouts allegedly remaining unknown.
In separate suits, the applicants are seeking various declarations that their constitutional rights were violated, orders compelling investigations into the conduct of the officers involved, and monetary compensation for the alleged abuses.
RULAAC said the legal action seeks judicial intervention to address alleged human rights violations and promote accountability within the police system.
Executive Director of the organisation, Okechukwu Nwanguma, described the cases as a significant opportunity for the judiciary to examine longstanding allegations against the Tiger Base Unit through due legal process.
He stated that justice for victims of alleged torture and unlawful detention is essential to strengthening public confidence in law enforcement and upholding the rule of law.
The Nigeria Police Force is yet to officially respond to the allegations contained in the court filings, while the matters remain before the court for determination.
