The grieving family of Mr. Lubem Ordoo Ayagwa has petitioned the Anambra State Commissioner of Police over the alleged torture and murder of their son while in the custody of the notoriously feared Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at the Awkuzu Police Command in Anambra State.
The petition was submitted by Mr. Francis, a human rights activist and presenter with City Radio 89.7FM, on behalf of the late Mr. Ayagwa’s family, the Tiv community in Anambra State, and their traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Ambrose Iortyer.
In the petition, the family outlined the harrowing circumstances surrounding Ayagwa’s death, accusing officers of the Awkuzu RRS of gross human rights violations and abuse of power.
According to the petition, Mr. Lubem, a native of Ushongo Local Government Area in Benue State, was a licensed security guard deployed by the Red Guard Security Company to a commercial plaza opposite the building materials market on the Onitsha-Awka Expressway.
However, trouble began when a shop owner in the plaza alleged the disappearance of items worth N17.5 million and, rather than reporting to the plaza management or the security company, called in officers from Ogidi Police Division.
The three security guards on duty, along with the plaza’s manager, were arrested and later transferred to RRS (Rapid Response Squad) Awkuzu.
It was during their detention at the RRS Awkuzu that Mr. Lubem allegedly died under suspicious circumstances.
“This petition is supported by credible accounts from the management of Red Guard Security Company, a duly registered private security outfit that lawfully deployed the deceased to a commercial plaza along opposite building materials market Onitsha-Awka Express Road, Anambra State,” the petitioners noted.
The petitioners said, “Despite appeals from the security company to allow internal investigations, the shop owner insisted on immediate payment and influenced the police to escalate the matter.
“The suspects were transferred to RRS Awkuzu, where all external communication and access to them were denied.”
The petition noted that a Red Guard official was informed casually by an RRS officer that Mr. Lubem had died in custody, allegedly due to “torture by co-inmates.”
However, eyewitnesses and fellow detainees contradicted this version, claiming the deceased was brutally tortured by police officers themselves.
His corpse was later discovered at Nnewi Teaching Hospital after being rejected by Onitsha General Hospital, further deepening suspicion of foul play.
The petitioners stated, “It is reliably gathered that in RRS Awkuzu, the suspects, including Mr. Lubem, were subjected to brutal torture.
“When the security company protested, they were ignored. The tension led to the company submitting a petition requesting a transfer of the case to the State CID, Awka, which was approved.
“Shockingly, only two out of the three arrested guards were presented at the point of transfer. Mr. Lubem was unaccounted for.
“An officer at RRS Awkuzu casually informed the company that Mr. Lubem had died in custody, allegedly due to torture by co-inmates.
“This claim was contradicted by eyewitnesses and co-suspects, who confirmed that the police themselves inflicted the torture.
“His corpse was later found at Nnewi Teaching Hospital, having first been rejected by Onitsha General Hospital, indicating serious injury or suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.”
The petition noted that even more troubling is the curious release of the shop owner, initially considered a key suspect, without a formal investigation, raising concerns about bias and possible collusion.
“The shop manager who should have been a primary suspect was curiously released without due investigation, raising questions of bias and conspiracy,” the petitioners stated.
Citing violations of multiple sections of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, including the right to dignity, liberty, and presumption of innocence, the petitioners asserted that the case must not be buried under bureaucracy.
“The actions of the involved officers and civilian actors amount to serious violations of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), including Section 34(1)(a), Right to dignity of the human person; Section 35(1), Right to personal liberty; Section 36(5), Presumption of innocence; Section 46(1), Right to legal redress.
“These violations depict a troubling disregard for the rule of law, professionalism, and human rights,” the petitioners stated.
The petitioners, therefore, demanded: “A full, independent, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Lubem’s arrest, detention, torture, and death, and immediate suspension and prosecution of all RRS Awkuzu officers involved.”
They further demanded: “A thorough probe into the actions of Ogidi Police Division, particularly regarding the shop manager’s release.”
They also called for the “immediate arrest and investigation of the shop owner (linked to Nolin Ventures Ltd) for unlawful involvement and complicity.
“A comprehensive autopsy and release of all hospital records, including any CCTV footage or bodycam evidence, if available.
“Public apology and compensation to the bereaved family for their irreparable loss.
“A formal update from SCID Awka on the current status of the investigation, and arrest and prosecution of any civilian accomplices or conspirators involved in this incident.”
They also demanded a strong statement and assurance from the office of the Anambra State Commissioner of Police that such abuses will not be tolerated under his leadership.
“We passionately appeal to your esteemed office to take decisive action,” the petitioners wrote.
“This case must not be swept under the rug. Justice must not only be done, but be seen to be done to restore public confidence in the Nigerian Police Force and deter future abuses of power.”
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