Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has escalated an earlier petitioned to the Commissioner of Police in Imo State with additional information regarding an allegation of extrajudicial violence, torture, collusion, enforced disappearance, and activities of Illegal vigilante group.
According to the Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Okechukwu Nwanguma, this urgent petition with deeply troubling additional information deals with the arrest, shooting, and continued detention of Mr. Uchechukwu Maduakolam and Mr. Kenneth Anyanwu. He copied the petition to the Inspector General of Police, Tunde Disu.
He said that credible reports now link this incident to the activities of a local vigilante group known as the “Royal Guards,” reportedly established by Eze Okwudiri Divine Nwandu and allegedly used to intimidate citizens of Ihitteaforukwu and target perceived opponents.
“More specifically, multiple sources allege that certain individuals closely associated with the Eze – including Mr. Emeka Emetubelem (Secretary to the Eze), Mr. Ikechukwu Mbakwe (Chief of Staff), and Mr. Onyemuche Ochor (Chief Security Officer of the Royal Guards) – played coordinating roles in the operation that led to the arrest and shooting of the victims, ” he said, adding that, “further, credible community sources and available video evidence reportedly confirm a pattern of intimidation, harassment, and targeting of innocent citizens and perceived political opponents by members of this vigilante group.
Even more gravely, Nwanguma further said, there are disturbing allegations from confidential sources that the shooting of Mr. Kenneth Anyanwu may have been carried out on instruction, raising serious concerns about unlawful use of force, abuse of power, and possible extrajudicial intent.
He said it has been reported that:
– Mr. Kenneth Anyanwu was shot and is currently in critical condition, requiring urgent and extensive medical treatment estimated at ₦15 million.
– His personal belongings, including ₦47,000 in cash, were allegedly taken at the time of arrest.
– There are allegations that a monetary payment was made to the family, raising concerns about a possible attempt to suppress accountability.
– The whereabouts of Mr. Uchechukwu Maduakolam – who was earlier reported to have been shot after arrest – remain unknown, raising serious fears of enforced disappearance.
“These allegations, if substantiated, point to a disturbing pattern of collusion between state actors and non-state actors, abuse of police powers, and grave violations of fundamental rights, including the rights to life, dignity of the human person, personal liberty, and fair hearing as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international human rights obligations.
“In light of these extremely serious developments, we urgently demand:
1. Immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of Mr. Uchechukwu Maduakolam, including proof that he is alive and receiving medical care.
2. Urgent and independent medical intervention for Mr. Kenneth Anyanwu, with unrestricted access to appropriate healthcare.
3. An independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into:
(a) The circumstances surrounding the arrest and shooting of both individuals;
(b) Allegations of post-arrest shooting and torture;
(c) Alleged theft of personal belongings;
(d) Alleged collusion between police operatives and members of the Royal Guards;
(e) The role of the named individuals in coordinating the operation.
4. Immediate suspension of all police officers and other actors implicated, pending the outcome of investigations.
5. Protection of victims, witnesses, and their families from intimidation, harassment, or reprisals.
6. Immediate prohibition and investigation of the activities of the so-called “Royal Guards,” whose operations appear to fall outside any lawful framework for community policing or vigilante services.
7. Prompt arraignment before a competent court of any persons against whom there is credible evidence of wrongdoing, in full compliance with due process guarantees.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force not allow its institutions to be used as instruments for settling personal, political, or communal scores. Any such conduct erodes public trust, undermines the rule of law, and emboldens impunity.
Given the urgency and gravity of these allegations, he called on the Inspector-General of Police to order immediate intervention, ensure accountability at all levels, and restore public confidence in law enforcement in Imo State.
“We will continue to monitor this situation closely and pursue all lawful avenues to ensure justice and protection for the victims,” he said.
