Imo Police Command Detains, Tortures 21-Year-Old Nurse Nmesoma For Months At Notorious Tiger Base Unit

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Imo State Commissioner of Police over the unlawful arrest, torture, and prolonged detention of one Miss Nmesoma Chukwunyere, a 21-year-old trainee nurse, at the notorious Tiger Base facility in Owerri, the state capital.

Demanding her immediate release and a fair investigation, RULAAC in a the petition addressed to the Police Commissioner and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the case highlights “grave concerns about torture, unlawful detention, and abuse of police powers.”

According to the petition, Miss Nmesoma, a trainee nurse at Mother of Mercy Hospital and Maternity, Orlu, was arrested on July 15, 2025, while working part-time at Evergreen Pharmacy in Umudiato, Orlu.

Her arrest was allegedly linked to a robbery incident at the residence of the pharmacy owner, Mr. Declan, on June 22, 2025.

Her father, Mr. Gabriel Ekechukwu, alleged that while in custody at the Orlu Police Division, his daughter was subjected to torture and threats of being shot unless she made a statement under duress.

Aligning with her repeated claims of innocence, RULAAC noted that a search of her apartment produced no incriminating evidence, and her bank records contained only regular tuition payments from her sponsor.

“Notwithstanding these facts, she was held at Orlu for three weeks, denied her studies and work, and later transferred to Tiger Base, Owerri, reportedly at the request of Mr. Declan,” RULAAC stated.

RULAAC stated that other suspects, former employees of the pharmacy, initially confirmed to police that Miss Nmesoma was not part of the crime.

But after her transfer to the Tiger Base facility in Owerri, allegedly at Mr. Declan’s request, “Shockingly, those same suspects who had earlier cleared her name later changed their statements at Tiger Base – suggesting possible coercion.”

The group noted that Miss Nmesoma has now spent over three months in custody without being charged to court, in violation of her constitutional rights.

“This case raises grave concerns about torture, unlawful detention, and abuse of police powers,” RULAAC stated in the petition.

“Miss Nmesoma is being victimised based on a coerced statement obtained under duress, and her continued detention violates her constitutional rights,” the group added.

RULAAC demanded, “Order the immediate release of Miss Nmesoma. After more than 3 months in custody, the police ought to have promptly charged her before a competent court if there was credible evidence against her.

“Direct an investigation into the conduct of officers at Orlu Division (IPO Osinachi) and Tiger Base Owerri (Inspector Chidi Igwe) for alleged torture, coercion, and abuse of authority.

“Ensure that Mr. Declan, owner of Evergreen Pharmacy, is not allowed to unduly influence or pervert the course of justice.

“Guarantee that the matter is handled with fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to the rule of law.”

“RULAAC is deeply concerned that the unlawful detention of this young nursing trainee is not only an assault on her fundamental rights but also a grave injustice capable of destroying her future,” Nwanguma stated in the petition.

RULAAC therefore called for the personal intervention of the Commissioner of Police to safeguard justice and accountability.
“We therefore urge your urgent and personal intervention.”