RULAAC to IGP: Release report of Awkuzu probe on allegations of extra judicial killings, organ harvesting
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has written to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), demanding the immediate public disclosure of a long-awaited investigation report into allegations against officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS)/Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Awkuzu, Anambra State.
In a letter dated 24 February 2026, addressed to the IGP at Force Headquarters in Abuja, RULAAC Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma recalled that the probe was announced in February 2023 by the then-IGP Usman Alkali Baba.
He disclosed that the special investigation panel, set up under the IGP Monitoring and Mentoring Unit, was tasked with examining claims of extrajudicial killings, high-handedness, organ harvesting, abuse of office, and other misconduct within the unit. The panel was expected to conclude within two weeks and invited public evidence submissions.
Three years on, despite repeated follow-ups and sustained public interest, the full findings remain undisclosed, said RULAAC.
According to portions of the interim findings, RULAAC highlighted some of the issues which included:
*18 complaints from the public alleging high-handedness and extrajudicial killings.
*11 custodial deaths between March and December 2022, classified as “Sudden and Unnatural Death” (SUD).
*Major lapses in record-keeping, including missing police diaries, cell state registers, crime diaries, and lockup registers — severely undermining accountability and traceability.
*Operational and supervisory failures within the unit.
*Recommendations for reorganisation, reorientation, improved supervision, and a public briefing by the Force Public Relations Department.
RULAAC noted that while the report reportedly found no confirmed evidence of organ harvesting or dealing in human parts, and cleared SP Nkeiruka Nwode of the allegations. RULAAC stressed that public silence on these findings — especially the exoneration — continues to cause reputational harm to cleared officers while leaving victims’ families without
According to RULAAC, there is need for justice for victims and families of the 11 custodial deaths.
He said the constitutional obligations under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (right to life) entrust the police with the duty of care in custody, and deaths must be transparently accounted for.
The petition noted that Nigerians deserve to know if recommended changes like better record-keeping, disciplinary actions, or criminal proceedings were implemented.
RULAAC urged the IGP to among other things; publish the full investigation report or, at minimum, an official public summary covering findings, actions taken (disciplinary/criminal), status of implicated officers, and reforms implemented.
It also seeks clarity on the status of the 11 custodial deaths, including whether independent medical/forensic reviews occurred, and the measures addressing the identified gaps in mandatory registers, supervision, and oversight.
RULAAC warned that prolonged silence on such grave matters erodes public trust, while transparency would strengthen the Nigeria Police Force’s credibility.
