Ugo Nosiri, Owerri
The Police Command in Imo State has described the report of abuse and misconduct leveled against its Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Owerri, as baseless and unfounded.
The accusations which were detailed in a report titled, “Investigation Exposes Alarming Abuse of Detainees at Police’s Tiger Base,” authored by Juliana Francis, alleged instances of torture, unlawful detentions, extortion, and extrajudicial killings within the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
In a press statement issued by the Command, the police dismissed the claims as “misleading, lacking factual evidence” and do not reflect its operations.
“The allegations are not only unsubstantiated but also fail to represent the true picture of how we operate.”
“Our internal investigation has shown that these claims are completely false. They are simply attempts to tarnish the reputation of the Imo State Police Command.”
The Command also criticised the author for failing to verify the allegations before publication.
“It is concerning that the journalist did not contact us for clarification or a balanced perspective,” Okoye said.
“This raises serious questions about the credibility of the report and the journalistic standards employed.”
According to the police, the report relied heavily on anonymous sources and complainants using pseudonyms.
“Such anonymity without verification undermines the reliability of the claims. We urge the public to disregard these baseless accusations,” Henry added.
Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism and accountability and further assured the public that the Command remains open to addressing genuine complaints.
He further reiterated the command’s openness to collaboration with the media but cautioned against sensationalism.
“Publishing unfounded claims erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of our institution. We urge journalists to prioritise accuracy and fairness in their reporting.”
“We are always available to provide accurate information when approached,” DSP Henry Okoye noted.
The Command called on the public to verify any claims before believing or sharing them.
