RULAAC Petitions Imo Police Commissioner Over Unlawful Detention and Torture of Trainee Nurse

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has formally petitioned the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, demanding the immediate release of Miss Nmesoma Chukwunyere, a 21-year-old trainee nurse, who has been unlawfully arrested, tortured, and detained for over three months at the notorious Tiger Base facility in Owerri.

In the petition, signed by Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC condemned the unlawful actions of the police, describing the case as one that “raises grave concerns about torture, unlawful detention, and abuse of police powers.”

Miss Nmesoma, a nursing trainee at Mother of Mercy Hospital and Maternity, Orlu, also worked part-time at Evergreen Pharmacy, Umudiato, Orlu. She was arrested on July 15, 2025, allegedly in connection with a robbery at the residence of the pharmacy’s owner, Mr. Declan, which occurred weeks earlier on June 22, 2025.

Her father, Mr. Gabriel Ekechukwu, reported that while in custody at the Orlu Police Division, his daughter was tortured and threatened with death unless she signed a statement dictated under duress.

Despite her consistent pleas of innocence, police found no incriminating evidence against her. A search of her apartment yielded nothing suspicious, and her bank records reflected only her tuition payments from a sponsor.

RULAAC also noted that initial police investigations had cleared Miss Nmesoma of involvement, with other suspects—former employees of the pharmacy—confirming she had no role in the crime.

However, following her transfer to Tiger Base in Owerri—reportedly at the request of Mr. Declan—the same suspects suddenly changed their statements, suggesting possible coercion by officers at the facility.

Shockingly, after over three months in detention, Miss Nmesoma has not been charged before any court of law, a clear violation of her constitutional right to fair hearing and due process.

Our Demands

In the petition, RULAAC has called on the Imo State Commissioner of Police to:

• Order the immediate release of Miss Nmesoma. After three months in custody, failure to charge her in court indicates lack of credible evidence.

• Investigate officers at Orlu Division (IPO Osinachi) and Tiger Base Owerri (Inspector Chidi Igwe) for torture, coercion, and abuse of authority.

• Prevent undue influence by Mr. Declan, owner of Evergreen Pharmacy, in order to safeguard justice.

• Guarantee fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to the rule of law in handling the matter.

“This unlawful detention not only violates Miss Nmesoma’s fundamental human rights but also threatens to destroy the future of a young woman who has committed no crime,” Nwanguma stated.

RULAAC also urged the Commissioner of Police to personally intervene, ensure accountability, and restore confidence in the police by addressing the injustice.