The Police Command in Rivers State has opened an investigation into allegations of unlawful detention and misconduct following reports circulating on social media.
The claims centre on an unnamed individual allegedly arrested and held at the Octopus Unit, C4i, Mile 2, Diobu in Port Harcourt over a petition said to be unrelated to him.
According to the online reports, the individual was allegedly assaulted and made to pay N180,000 before securing his release after several days in custody.
Police spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, said in Port Harcourt on Monday that Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
She explained that an investigative panel has been set up to establish the facts surrounding the allegations, in line with the command’s commitment to professionalism and human rights protection.
Agabe added that the police leadership had called on members of the public with relevant information to assist the ongoing inquiry.
She advised affected persons to report through the Police Public Relations Office or the Complaint Response Unit.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated that any detention beyond the constitutionally allowed period without due process is illegal and will not be tolerated.
He assured that officers found guilty of misconduct or unethical behaviour would face disciplinary action.
Adepoju also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and respect for human dignity, adding that citizens’ rights and freedoms would be safeguarded.
Meanwhile, a legal practitioner and rights advocate, Mr Wisdom Chude, who raised the allegations online, claimed that the victim’s personal belongings were initially withheld after release and only returned after additional payments.
He further alleged that some suspects remain in custody for extended periods without bail or court appearance, with claims of payments made for release in some cases.
Chude described the situation as a breach of fundamental human rights and called for stronger oversight of detention facilities.
He urged relevant authorities, including judicial monitoring bodies, to ensure regular inspection of police detention centres to prevent abuse.
The lawyer also called for direct supervision of tactical units by police leadership to improve accountability and prevent unlawful detention practices.