RULAAC accuses Imo police of arbitrary arrests, extortion, harassment of Nekede Poly students
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised the alarm over alleged harassment, arbitrary arrests, and extortion by police officers targeting students and young people, especially around the Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Owerri, Imo State .
In a letter, RULAAC describes recent incidents observed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, during a visit to a relaxation spot near the polytechnic last Friday.
It said the police operations around the school triggered panic among young people, with students fleeing as officers arrived for what have become “routine” stop-and-search activities.
According to accounts gathered by RULAAC, officers reportedly conducted random stops and intrusive searches, including handbags of female students and mobile phones of young men.
They also reportedly arrested individuals for possessing everyday items like cigarettes, lighters, or condoms, and for wearing miniskirts, being out at night, or wearing outfits resembling security uniforms. According to RULAAC, those arrested were detained and made to pay ₦30,000 or more under the guise of bail.
RULAAC argues that these actions constitute profiling, abuse of power, and organized extortion, as possessing such items or dressing in certain ways does not constitute criminal offences under Nigerian law. The group stresses that the police are empowered to enforce laws, not invent offences for revenue generation.
The advocacy centre recalls a May 23, 2024, dialogue event co-organized by RULAAC and the African Youths Initiative on Crime Prevention (AYCRIP) with the Imo State Police Command. At that event, representatives from the National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS) raised similar concerns about student harassment, and police officials pledged better partnership, escalation of issues, and dialogue sessions. But those promises, RULAAC says, appear unfulfilled amid deteriorating conditions.
RULAAC called on the Imo State Commissioner of Police to immediately investigate the activities of his men around Nekede Polytechnic and other campuses.
The organisation also urged the police boss to publicly reaffirm that bail is free and that items like cigarettes or condoms are not criminal.
Other demands made by RULAAC include: issuance of clear guidelines on lawful stop-and-search procedures, establishment of a transparent complaints mechanism for students, and convening a dialogue with student representatives, including NAISS, within 30 days.
The letter cautions that such predatory practices worsen insecurity and police-community tensions in Imo State, turning potential partners in crime prevention into victims.
