•Intersociety indicts Imo police, demands rearrest

By BONIFACE AKARAH

The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has expressed outrage over what it described as the controversial release of one Chibuike Duru, popularly known as “Nwamgbenta,” whom it accused of leading an alleged torture chamber and violent gang operating in Atta, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.

In a strongly-worded investigative report released in Enugu on Monday, May 25, 2026, the rights group demanded the immediate rearrest of Duru and members of his alleged gang, accusing them of multiple violent crimes, including murder, attempted murder, torture, kidnapping, disappearances, extortion, property destruction, and the operation of unlawful detention facilities.

The group also accused the Imo State Police Command of allegedly undermining the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu by repeatedly releasing the suspect without concluding investigations.

The report, jointly signed by Intersociety Board Chair, Emeka Umeagbalasi; Obianuju Joy Igboeli, Head of the Department of Civil Liberties and Rule of Law; Chidinma Evangeline Udegbunam, Head of Campaign and Publicity; and Comrade Samuel Kamanyoku, Deputy Head of Data Collection and Documentation, alleged that the handling of the matter by police authorities had weakened public confidence in criminal investigations.

Arrested, released twice within hours

According to the report, Duru was first arrested by the Imo State Police Command on May 14, 2026, but allegedly released hours later without what the group described as a detailed investigation.

Intersociety claimed that following protests by petitioners and lawyers from the firm of J.U. Ijeoma & Associates, the matter was withdrawn from the initial investigating team and reassigned to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Homicide Section.

The group alleged that Duru was rearrested on May 21, 2026, but controversially regained freedom again on May 23, allegedly on the orders of the Commissioner of Police in the state.

According to the report, celebrations reportedly followed his release in his hometown of Egwedu Autonomous Community, Atta, with gunshots allegedly fired in jubilation.

“In the early hours of Sunday, May 24, 2026, gunshots started booming in jubilation in his hometown of Egwedu Autonomous Community in Atta, Njaba Local Government Area,” the report stated.

The group claimed that Duru’s release had heightened fears among residents, alleging that witnesses, survivors and petitioners had begun receiving threats.

Allegations of torture chamber, killings and extortion

Intersociety accused Duru and members of his alleged gang of operating what it described as a private torture facility under the guise of a local vigilante or community security structure.

According to the report, petitioners accused the suspect of maintaining an alleged pattern of unlawful detention, torture, extortion and violent attacks since 2023.

The group cited findings it attributed to the Nigerian Observatory for Human Rights, alleging that Duru operated what it described as a “human cage” at his residence where suspects were allegedly detained, starved, tortured and compelled to pay bail fees ranging from N300,000 to N1 million.

The report further alleged that relatives of detainees were compelled to pay money before being allowed to bring food to detained family members.

Among the incidents highlighted by the rights group was the alleged killing of one Chiedozie Awalie, said to have been arrested in November 2025 and later killed, while another victim, Ifeanyi Nnadiemere, allegedly died in detention in January 2026 after being accused of financial misconduct involving his mother’s bank account.

The group also alleged that another resident, Chinonso Moses Ejiofor, was unlawfully detained for about 10 days before his release following intervention by a human rights lawyer.

According to the report, Ejiofor allegedly told investigators that at least eight other persons were being held in the same detention facility during his confinement.

Police accused of flouting IGP directive

The rights organisation further alleged that despite a directive reportedly issued by the Inspector-General of Police in February 2026 for investigation of the case, the Imo State Police Command failed to act decisively.

According to Intersociety, the IGP’s directive, first issued on February 5, 2026, and later revalidated in March, was allegedly frustrated within the police system, forcing petitioners to seek renewed approval.

The group claimed that no comprehensive investigation had taken place despite repeated complaints by victims and legal representatives.

“The firm directive of the Inspector-General of Police in the referenced high-profile case has been flouted by the Imo State Police Command for four months,” the report alleged.

The organisation also accused unnamed police officers of allegedly advising complainants to withdraw the matter and “make peace” with the suspect.

News Express could not independently verify the allegations contained in the report, which remain the subject of police investigation.

Investigation allegedly ‘commercialised and compromised’

In one of its strongest claims, Intersociety alleged that the investigation process had been commercialised.

The group claimed that petitioners had spent approximately ?1.5 million during the course of the investigation, including what it described as unofficial “mobilisation” payments to police officers.

According to the report, additional funds were allegedly spent transporting indigent victims and witnesses to the State CID to provide statements.

“We make bold to say that the proceedings so far are totally disappointing and amounting to state actor concealment of heinous crimes,” the group stated.

The organisation further alleged that unofficial payments demanded during criminal investigations had contributed to compromised outcomes and weakened public confidence in justice administration.

Intersociety warns Imo police, demands action

The rights organisation warned that failure by the Imo State Police Command to properly investigate the matter could force petitioners to seek intervention directly from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

It also alleged that political actors and local government officials may be shielding the suspect and members of the alleged gang.

The group further accused authorities of failing to prevent the alleged destruction and concealment of material evidence following Duru’s release.

According to the report, members of the alleged gang were said to have removed prohibited firearms and other materials allegedly linked to the case from locations associated with the suspect.

Group lists demands

Intersociety called for the immediate rearrest of Duru and members of his alleged gang for what it described as detailed investigation and prosecution over alleged violent crimes.

The group also demanded the dismantling of all alleged torture facilities linked to the suspect, protection for witnesses and survivors, and an independent investigation into allegations of police compromise.

It further urged the Imo State Police Command to comply fully with the Inspector-General’s directive and ensure a professional, transparent and conclusive investigation.

The Imo State Police Command had yet to respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.