Amnesty International has called for justice and accountability following the findings of a Coroner’s Court into the death of 32-year-old Japheth Njoku, who died while in police custody at Tiger Base, Owerri, Imo State.
The human rights organisation said the findings delivered by Chief Magistrate E. U. Chinaka of the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Owerri, on September 30, 2026, must lead to concrete action, including prosecution of anyone found responsible for criminal offences.
In a statement released on Sunday, October 11, Amnesty International urged the Attorney-General of Imo State, the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission and the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, to implement the recommendations of the Coroner.
The organisation also called for compensation and proper reparation for Njoku’s family, while demanding an independent investigation into alleged attempts to block the court-ordered autopsy and intimidate witnesses.
According to the Coroner’s findings, Njoku was detained for about six weeks over an allegation of stealing, which is a bailable offence.
The Coroner found that the demand for money and the poor conditions under which Njoku was kept contributed to the decline of his health and his eventual death.
Amnesty International said the findings further raised concerns about alleged human rights violations at Tiger Base, including unlawful detention, torture, ill-treatment, extortion and deaths in custody.
The organisation called on authorities to urgently strengthen protections for people held in police custody and ensure that victims of abuse have access to justice.
“Japheth Njoku entered police custody alive. His death demands truth, justice and accountability,” Amnesty International said.
It added that Njoku’s family has the right to an effective remedy and that anyone found responsible must face the consequences of their actions.
The case has renewed calls from rights groups for improved policing standards, respect for human rights and greater accountability within Nigeria’s security institutions.
Tiger Base, a police tactical unit in Owerri, has previously faced allegations from rights advocates over claims of abuse and misconduct, making the latest Coroner’s findings a major test of accountability and police reform efforts in Imo State.
