Amnesty demands justice for man who died in Imo police custody

Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Imo State Government and police authorities to implement a coroner’s recommendations into the death of 32-year-old Japheth Njoku in police custody at Tiger Base, Owerri, and ensure accountability for those found responsible.

The organisation made the call in a statement posted on its X platform on Sunday, following the findings delivered on September 30, 2026, by Chief Magistrate E. U. Chinaka of the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Owerri, sitting as a coroner.

Amnesty International urged the Attorney-General of Imo State, the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission and the Commissioner of Police in the state to promptly implement the recommendations, prosecute anyone against whom sufficient evidence of criminal responsibility exists, and provide adequate compensation and reparation to Njoku’s family.

It also called for an independent investigation into reported attempts to obstruct the court-ordered autopsy and intimidate witnesses.

According to the organisation, the coroner found that Njoku had been detained for about six weeks over an allegation of stealing, which it described as a bailable offence.

The findings also indicated that demands for money and the inhuman conditions in which he was held contributed to the deterioration of his health and eventual death.

Amnesty International said the findings reinforced concerns it had previously raised over alleged human rights violations at Tiger Base, including arbitrary detention, torture and other forms of ill-treatment, extortion and deaths in custody.

The organisation called on the authorities to urgently address the concerns, strengthen safeguards for people held in police custody and ensure effective remedies for victims of human rights violations.

“Japheth Njoku entered police custody alive. His death demands truth, justice and accountability,” the organisation said.

It added that Njoku’s family was entitled to an effective remedy and that anyone suspected of responsibility for his death should be held accountable.

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