Imo police refutes alleged extortion, torture of suspects by anti-kidnapping unit

The Imo State Police Command has denied media report alleging that Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command indulges in extortions and torturing of suspects at the Tiger Base located in the Command's headquarters.

Refuting the media report, the spokesperson of the command, DSP Henry Okoye, in a press statement,
disclosed that the Command has taken note of the recent media report titled, “Investigation Exposes Alarming Abuse of Detainees at Police’s Tiger Base,”

Okoye hinted that the Command, categorically rejects the said allegations and asserts that the information presented in the report was misleading, lacking in facts and did not reflect the true operations of the Command.

“It is crucial to emphasize that the author did not take the necessary steps to verify the allegations with the Imo State Police Command before publishing.

“The allegations, attributed to complainants using pseudo names, have been investigated and found out to be misleading and unfounded,” he stated.

The Command's spokesperson added that the development raises concerns about the credibility and reliability of the information provided and called into question the journalistic standards behind the report.

He maintained that contrary to the allegations, the State Police Command affirms that all suspects are treated in accordance with legal protocols and their rights respected.

He further asserted that the Command is open to receiving genuine complaints against any tactical unit through its Complaint Response Unit.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma assures the public that all complaints will be thoroughly investigated and confidentially treated, and any officer found culpable will face severe disciplinary sanctions.

“In light of this, the Commissioner of Police urges all media personnel, especially print correspondents, to verify their reports with the State Police Command before publishing,” he further stated.

The Command's spokesperson added that spreading of unverified and misleading information against the Command erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of the Force.