RULAAC raises alarm over deteriorating health of Anyanwu, suspect in Tiger Base custody reportedly shot after arrest
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has issued an urgent call for intervention regarding the deterioration of the health of Mr. Kenneth Anyanwu, who is currently being held in police custody.
Anyanwu was reportedly shot by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, known as Tiger Base, and is currently being held at a police hospital. According to RULAAC, credible medical reports indicate that Anyanwu’s condition is critical and his lungs have collapsed. The advocacy group warned that the current facility is grossly unequipped to handle such life-threatening injuries.
The statement, signed by RULAAC’s executive director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said that while Anyanwu’s family has been struggling to cover the costs of his treatment, they are unable to raise the ₦15 million required for the urgent surgical intervention needed to save his life.
RULAAC maintains that the Nigeria Police Force has a legal “duty of care” to preserve the lives of those in its custody, particularly when injuries are sustained during police operations. The group argued that withholding adequate medical care under these circumstances constitutes a violation of the right to life and amounts to “cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.”
RULAAC demanded for immediate relocation of Anyanwu to an independent tertiary medical facility. It added that the Nigeria Police Force must assume all medical expenses.
The group seeks unhindered access to Anyanwu by family and independent doctors.
It also demanded transparent investigation into the shooting that led to his failing health, and his subsequent detention.
The advocacy center warned that relevant authorities will be held fully accountable should Anyanwu suffer irreversible harm or death due to further delays in treatment.
The statement also raised the alarm regarding another individual, Mr. Uchechukwu Maduakolam.
According to RULAAC, Maduakolam’s whereabouts remain unknown to his family, sparking fears of enforced disappearance.
