Amnesty International has called on the Imo State Government and police authorities to ensure justice and accountability following a coroner’s findings into the death of 32-year-old Japheth Njoku in police custody at Tiger Base, Owerri.
The organisation, in a statement issued on October 10, 2026, welcomed the findings delivered on September 30 by Chief Magistrate E. U. Chinaka of the Chief Magistrate’s Court, 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 Commissioner of Police in the state to implement the coroner’s recommendations without delay.
It also called for the prosecution of anyone against whom sufficient evidence of criminal responsibility exists, as well as 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.
According to the coroner’s findings, Njoku was detained for approximately six weeks over an allegation of stealing, which the organisation described as a bailable offence.
The inquiry reportedly found that demands for money and the inhuman conditions under which Njoku was held contributed to the deterioration of his health and eventual death.
Amnesty International said the findings reinforced longstanding concerns about alleged human rights violations at Tiger Base, including arbitrary detention, torture and other forms of ill-treatment, extortion and deaths in custody.
It urged the authorities to urgently investigate and address these allegations, strengthen safeguards for detainees and ensure that victims of human rights violations have access to effective remedies.
The organisation stressed that the circumstances surrounding Njoku’s death required a transparent process capable of establishing the facts, identifying those responsible and securing accountability.
“Japheth Njoku entered police custody alive. His death demands truth, justice and accountability,” the organisation said, emphasising that his family was entitled to an effective remedy and that anyone found responsible must be held accountable.
Amnesty International maintained that implementing the coroner’s recommendations, investigating alleged interference with the inquiry and ensuring appropriate legal action would be critical steps towards delivering justice for Njoku’s family and preventing similar deaths in police custody.
