How Nigerian Police Allegedly Tortured Newlywed Security Guard to Death Over Pack of Cigarettes as Court Orders Autopsy

A shocking case of alleged police brutality has emerged in Imo State, where a newly married security guard, Mr. Japheth Njoku, reportedly died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody. The tragic incident has now prompted the Imo State Magistrate Court to order a formal autopsy to ascertain the cause of death.

TJ News Nigeria gathered that the 32-year-old, who worked as a security guard at Alaba Market in Owerri, was arrested on suspicion of stealing cigarettes. Although the matter was initially resolved after the complainant withdrew the allegation, Njoku was allegedly rearrested and subsequently tortured at the notorious Tiger Base, a detention facility operated by the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

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Court Orders Autopsy Amid Allegations of Police Brutality

The Imo State Magistrate Court sitting in Owerri issued the autopsy order during a coroner’s inquest held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The inquest, presided over by His Worship Chinaka U. Edith, Esq., followed an application brought before the court by Njoku’s wife, Mrs. Augusta Njoku, and his brothers-in-law, Mr. Uchechukwu Njoku and Mr. Chibuzo Njoku.

TJ News Nigeria reports that the respondents in the case include:

• Inspector Barnabas (Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit)

• CSP Oladimeji

• The Imo State Commissioner of Police

• The Attorney General of Imo State

According to the enrolled court order, signed by Mrs. Kechi Linus Eleazu, Director of Court Services, the autopsy is scheduled to take place between June 16 and June 28, 2025, with the expenses to be covered by the complainants.

Court-Mandated Guidelines for the Autopsy

• The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of Imo State, or a representative, is tasked with supervising the autopsy.

• A pathologist or medical director from a government hospital in Owerri will conduct the examination.

• Both parties—the deceased’s family and the respondents—are allowed to bring independent pathologists to observe the procedure.

• The supervising officer is required to submit the autopsy results to the court for further action.

The court has adjourned the case to July 2, 2025, for the presentation of the autopsy report and for witnesses to testify under oath.

What Led to Njoku’s Arrest and Alleged Death?

TJ News Nigeria learned that the late Mr. Njoku was initially detained at the Owerri Area Command following an accusation of stealing a pack of cigarettes. However, that complaint was resolved when the accuser withdrew the case.

Shockingly, as Njoku was about to be released, a second allegation surfaced. Sources familiar with the matter allege that a fellow trader at Alaba Market, identified as Mrs. Oluchi Obiagwu, instigated the new accusation, leading to Njoku’s rearrest.

It was after this second arrest that Njoku was reportedly transferred to Tiger Base, a facility long associated with allegations of unlawful detention and torture.

Summoned Officers Fail to Appear Before Court

Despite clear directives from the court, TJ News Nigeria reports that key police officers named in the proceedings—Inspector Barnabas, CSP Oladimeji, and other summoned witnesses including Monday Ekwueme, Basil Ekenyere, Miss Nkechi, and Caro Okeke—failed to appear at the June 11 hearing.

The Imo State Commissioner of Police was also ordered by the court to ensure that all respondents and witnesses comply with the summons. Yet, their absence at the hearing has raised further suspicions about attempts to obstruct justice.

Family Demands Justice

The deceased’s family, represented by their legal counsel, Dr. Christian C. Nwadigo, expressed frustration over the failure of the police officers and witnesses to honor the court’s order. The family maintains that Njoku’s death was not only untimely but entirely avoidable, insisting that he was a victim of gross human rights violations.

Njoku’s wife and relatives have vowed to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion, calling on the authorities to ensure a transparent autopsy and a fair inquest to hold any culpable parties accountable.

Focus on Police Conduct at Tiger Base

The Tiger Base detention facility in Owerri has long been at the center of numerous allegations of police misconduct, including arbitrary arrests, extortion, and torture. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for investigations into the operations of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit based there.

With the autopsy now formally ordered, human rights advocates and the wider public will be watching closely to see whether this case will finally shed light on longstanding accusations of police brutality in Imo State.

The inquest resumes on July 2, 2025, when the court is expected to review the autopsy results and listen to witness testimonies to determine the next legal steps.

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