News
Police Detain Woman In Place Of Wanted Brother, Allegedly Collect N600,000 –Petition
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Anambra State Commissioner of Police over the alleged unlawful arrest and four-day detention of a woman by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, formerly known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
RULAAC, in a letter signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, dated September 5, alleged that Ms. Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer was arrested on August 31, 2026, not over an offence linked to her but in connection with the police search for her brother, who is reportedly wanted over an alleged murder case.
According to the organisation, Nwosu alleged that she was detained for four days and was expected to produce her brother despite not being accused of complicity in the alleged offence.
The organisation said Nwosu further alleged that she was released on September 3 after ₦600,000 was paid, with the payment allegedly described as being for “administrative bail.”
RULAAC said no receipt or acknowledgement was reportedly issued for the payment.
The complainant also alleged that her mobile phone was seized by the police and retained without a seizure form or property receipt.
The organisation identified the investigating officer in the matter as Mr Odoh Kingsley of RRS Awkuzu.
RULAAC said Nwosu had been directed to report again on Monday, September 7, 2026, but was apprehensive that she could face renewed detention or further demands for money.
The rights group therefore called on the Commissioner of Police to urgently intervene and verify the allegations before Nwosu’s scheduled appearance at the police facility.
RULAAC described the alleged arrest and detention of Nwosu over her brother’s alleged offence as a possible case of “arrest by proxy” or “arrest in lieu.”
The organisation argued that arresting a person merely to compel the surrender of a relative raises serious constitutional and human-rights concerns.
“If the claims are substantially correct, the actions complained of would raise grave legal and human-rights concerns,” the organisation said.
“Arresting and detaining a person merely to compel the surrender of a relative amounts to arrest by proxy or arrest in lieu, a practice expressly prohibited by Nigerian law.”
RULAAC also raised concerns about the alleged four-day detention, saying that holding a person beyond the constitutionally permissible period without taking the individual before a court could violate legal safeguards on arrest and detention.
It further described the alleged ₦600,000 payment as “particularly disturbing,” stressing that police bail is free.
The organisation said the allegations were particularly concerning because they involved the Awkuzu facility, which became notorious for alleged human rights abuses during the era of SARS.
RULAAC said the transition from SARS to RRS should have represented more than a change of name.
“These allegations, if established, inevitably evoke the ugly memories of the abuses historically associated with the former SARS facility at Awkuzu,” the organisation said.
“The transition from SARS to RRS ought to signify more than a change of name; it should represent a decisive institutional break from arbitrary detention, arrest by proxy, extortion and other practices that brought the former unit into disrepute.”
RULAAC said the alleged conduct, if established, would be inconsistent with safeguards contained in the Nigerian Constitution, the Police Act 2020 and applicable criminal justice legislation.
In its requests to the Commissioner of Police, RULAAC asked the police authorities to establish the circumstances and legal basis for Nwosu’s arrest and four-day detention.
It also demanded an investigation into the alleged ₦600,000 payment, including determining who allegedly demanded or received the money.
The organisation requested that the money be refunded if it was found to have been unlawfully collected.
RULAAC further asked the police to establish the legal basis for the seizure and continued retention of Nwosu’s phone and ensure that any property retained for investigative purposes is properly documented.
It also urged the police to ensure that Nwosu’s scheduled appearance on September 7 would not result in further arbitrary detention, intimidation or unlawful financial demands.
The organisation asked the police to ensure that Nwosu was not held responsible for producing her brother or punished for his alleged conduct without evidence establishing her own involvement in an offence.
It also called for disciplinary or other appropriate action against any police officer found to have acted unlawfully.
The rights organisation stressed that it recognised the responsibility of the police to investigate serious crimes, including murder allegations.
It said its intervention was not intended to obstruct the investigation into Nwosu’s brother.
“Nothing in this intervention is intended to obstruct any lawful investigation,” RULAAC said.
“Our concern is simply that the investigation must be conducted within the bounds of the law and that no citizen should be deprived of liberty or subjected to financial demands merely because the Police are seeking a relative.”
The organisation urged the police command to respond to the complaint and disclose the steps taken to address the allegations.
Entertainment
NIBAD 2026: Abike Dabiri To Take Centre Stage As Bunmi Ebony, DJ X-One Host Baltimore Event
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .
At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.
As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.
Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.
The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa
Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
To add colour to the event also, is
Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.
****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.
The Rivers State Police Command under CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed this in a Friday statement.
She said the command’s action follows a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate completion of the renovation.
The command said it “strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.”
It added, “Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.”
The command said CP Adepoju maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.
Consequently, he has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending investigation.
The CP has also ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation; the police officers who authorised or approved the project; whether due procedures were followed; whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force; and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.
The command said while it welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed the renovation.
It reiterated that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or any form of improper association with criminal elements and that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.
Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.
According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.
He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.
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