By Ayo Kehinde
Public outrage has continued to mount over allegations of unlawful detention, extortion, and human rights abuses involving officers attached to the Octopus Unit, C4i, Mile 2, Diobu, Port Harcourt, as the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the claims.
The controversy followed allegations circulating on social media claiming that an unnamed individual was arrested and detained at the tactical police unit over a petition allegedly unrelated to him.
According to the reports, the victim was physically assaulted and compelled to pay N180,000 before eventually regaining his freedom after spending several days in detention.
Reacting to the development on Monday, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police had directed the immediate constitution of an investigative panel to examine the allegations and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Agabe said the action was consistent with the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
“The investigative panel has been directed to thoroughly examine the incident and ascertain the facts surrounding the allegations,” she said.
Agabe added that the Commissioner of Police had appealed to members of the public and individuals with credible information to assist the investigative process.
According to her, affected individuals were encouraged to report to the Office of the Police Public Relations Officer or contact the Complaint Response Unit through designated channels.
CP Adepoju also reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for unlawful detention and abuse of police powers.
“Detention beyond the legally stipulated period without due process is unlawful, unacceptable, and will not be tolerated under any guise,” he stated.
He warned that any officer found culpable of unethical or unlawful conduct would face disciplinary measures in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to accountability, transparency, and respect for human dignity,” he assured.
Adepoju further assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting the rights, freedom, and dignity of every citizen.
Meanwhile, lawyer and rights advocate, Mr Wisdom Chude, who published the allegations, raised additional concerns regarding the treatment of detainees and conditions within the facility.
Chude alleged that police officers initially refused to release the victim’s personal belongings after his release from detention.
According to him, the victim’s belongings, including clothing and footwear, were only returned after additional payments were allegedly made.
He further alleged that several detainees had remained in police custody for between two and three months without being granted bail or charged before a court of competent jurisdiction.
The rights advocate also claimed that one detainee allegedly paid N200,000 for bail but was subsequently returned to the detention cell despite the payment.
Describing the alleged actions as a serious violation of fundamental human rights, Chude questioned the effectiveness of existing oversight structures established to monitor detention facilities.
“In Rivers State, we have the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, while judges and chief magistrates are required to inspect detention facilities regularly,” he said.
He expressed concern that the allegations, if established, could indicate significant failures within accountability and monitoring systems.
“The Octopus Unit deserves urgent scrutiny. The scale of the alleged human rights violations should be a matter of serious public concern,” Chude added.
He questioned how individuals could allegedly remain in detention for extended periods without access to bail, arraignment in court, or intervention from relevant oversight institutions.
Chude subsequently called for a thorough investigation into the allegations and urged authorities to ensure strict compliance with constitutional provisions and legal procedures.
He also appealed to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to carry out regular inspections of tactical police units across the state.
According to him, direct inspections by police leadership would provide an independent assessment of conditions in detention facilities instead of relying solely on reports submitted by unit commanders.
