Amnesty Demands Justice Over Japheth Njoku’s Death in Imo Police Custody

Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Imo State Government and police authorities to implement a coroner’s recommendations into the death of 32-year-old Japheth Njoku in police custody at Tiger Base, Owerri, and ensure accountability for those found responsible.

The organisation made the call in a statement published on its official X platform on Sunday, following findings delivered on September 30, 2026, by Chief Magistrate E. U. Chinaka of the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Owerri, sitting as a coroner.

Amnesty International urged the Attorney-General of Imo State, the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission and the state Commissioner of Police to act promptly on the recommendations. It also called for the prosecution of anyone against whom sufficient evidence of criminal responsibility exists and adequate compensation and reparation for Njoku’s family.

The organisation further demanded an independent investigation into reported attempts to obstruct the court-ordered autopsy and intimidate witnesses. It said such allegations required attention to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Njoku’s death were fully examined.

According to Amnesty International, the coroner found that Njoku had been detained for approximately six weeks over an allegation of stealing, which the organisation described as a bailable offence. The findings also indicated that demands for money and the inhuman conditions in which he was held contributed to the deterioration of his health and eventual death.

The organisation said the findings reinforced concerns it had previously raised about alleged human rights violations at Tiger Base. These concerns include arbitrary detention, torture and other forms of ill-treatment, extortion and deaths in custody.

Amnesty International called on the authorities to address the concerns urgently, strengthen safeguards for people detained by the police and ensure effective remedies for victims of human rights violations. It stressed that anyone suspected of responsibility for Njoku’s death should be held accountable through the appropriate legal process.

“Japheth Njoku entered police custody alive. His death demands truth, justice and accountability,” the organisation said, adding that his family was entitled to an effective remedy.