Amnesty International has urged the Imo State Government and police authorities to implement a coroner’s recommendations over the death of 32-year-old Japheth Njoku in police custody at Tiger Base, Owerri.
The organisation wants prosecutions where there is sufficient evidence of criminal responsibility, as well as compensation and reparation for Njoku’s family.
It also called for an independent investigation into reported attempts to obstruct a court-ordered autopsy and intimidate witnesses.
Amnesty’s appeal followed findings delivered on September 30, 2026, by Chief Magistrate E. U. Chinaka of the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Owerri, sitting as a coroner, according to Vanguard’s account of the organisation’s statement.
According to Amnesty’s account reported by Vanguard, the coroner found that Njoku had been detained for about six weeks over an allegation of stealing. The organisation described the alleged offence as bailable.
Amnesty said the findings linked demands for money and inhuman detention conditions to the deterioration of Njoku’s health and his eventual death.
The organisation directed its appeal to the Imo Attorney-General, the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission and the state’s Commissioner of Police.
It said the case reinforced its concerns about alleged arbitrary detention, torture, extortion and deaths in custody at Tiger Base. Amnesty urged the authorities to strengthen safeguards for detainees and provide effective remedies for victims.
Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post
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