Our Reporter, Abuja
Human rights advocates have raised alarm over what they describe as credible threats linked to ongoing calls for accountability over alleged abuses at the police facility known as Tiger Base in Owerri.
Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), disclosed on Monday that an Owerri-based independent radio broadcaster and activist, Chinonso Uba, popularly known as Nonsonkwa, reported receiving a threat to his life earlier in the day. According to Nwanguma, the broadcaster said the threat originated from sources described as close to Tiger Base and asked that the information be made public for his safety.
In a separate incident, Nwanguma said he received a phone call last week warning him to stay away from Owerri and to take heightened security precautions. He added that the warning was similarly linked to sources allegedly close to the same police facility.
The reported threats come amid sustained public advocacy demanding accountability and justice for alleged human rights violations associated with Tiger Base. Activists say the timing suggests an attempt to intimidate or silence those calling for independent investigations.
“Advocacy for accountability and the rule of law is not a crime,” Nwanguma said in a public alert.
“Threats, intimidation, or attempts to silence voices demanding justice only deepen public concern and reinforce the urgency of independent, transparent investigations.”
Nwanguma called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the safety of individuals raising concerns about Tiger Base and to investigate the alleged threats without delay. He also urged the Police Service Commission and other oversight bodies to take note of what he described as a disturbing pattern of intimidation.
In addition, he appealed to Amnesty International and other international human rights organisations to closely monitor the situation and provide protective attention to those facing threats for demanding accountability. Civil society groups, the media, and the public were also urged to remain vigilant and to continue pressing for accountability through lawful and peaceful means.
“Silencing critics will not erase the facts, the victims’ testimonies, or the need for justice,” Nwanguma said.
“It will only compound the crisis of confidence in law enforcement.”
The alert, he said, was issued “in the public interest and for the record.”
