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VENO tv: Tiger Base Crime Allegations Rock Owerri
Date: 25-05-26

By Kayode Adoide

Ugochinyere Michael Ikeagwuonu, popularly known as Ikenga Ugochinyere, a Nigerian lawyer, politician and member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, has raised serious allegations against a controversial police unit formerly known as Tiger Base, now reportedly renamed the Violent Crime Unit in Owerri, Imo State.
Hon. Ikenga, a devout Catholic and outspoken federal lawmaker, accused the unit of illegal detention, intimidation, extortion and unlawful adoption practices allegedly carried out under the leadership of an officer identified as Oladimeji.

Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, the lawmaker called on the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to urgently investigate the activities of the unit.
According to him, a distressed widow recently approached his constituency office claiming that after the death of her husband, her two children suddenly went missing. Following investigations, the children were allegedly traced to the custody of operatives attached to the controversial police unit in Owerri.

Hon. Ikenga alleged that the children had remained in custody for almost two months without lawful justification, describing the situation as “illegal adoption and unlawful detention.”

He further claimed that the squad has become untouchable due to alleged backing from powerful individuals within the Imo State Government. The lawmaker alleged that several residents have suffered intimidation, extortion and abuse in the hands of the unit, while many victims remain afraid to speak publicly.
“They changed their name from Tiger Base to Violent Crime Unit, but the activities remain the same. Innocent people are allegedly arrested, tortured and forced to make false confessions,” he stated.

The lawmaker also alleged that some detainees were pressured into signing statements labelling themselves as terrorists and linking him to criminal activities before they could regain freedom.

He referenced reports from rights groups and community sources claiming that several persons had been unlawfully detained for long periods under degrading conditions. One alleged victim, according to him, was detained for over a year and forced into menial labour.

Hon. Ikenga further accused the squad of attacks on his residence and political supporters, claiming that officers attached to the unit had on several occasions attempted to intimidate and silence him because of his criticism of the state government.

He alleged that his billboards across parts of Ideato had been destroyed and claimed there had been attempts on his life, including attacks during political rallies.
“I am an apostle of the rule of law. Nobody should use the police as an instrument of oppression against innocent citizens,” he declared.

The lawmaker warned against the misuse of security agencies for political intimidation and urged the Federal Government and police authorities to visit the base in Owerri and conduct an independent investigation into the allegations.

As of the time of filing this report, the Imo State Government and the police authorities had not officially responded to the allegations.

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