Amnesty calls for justice over death of Japheth Njoku in Imo police custody

Amnesty International 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.

The organisation made the call in a statement dated October 10, 2026, following the findings delivered on September 30 by Chief Magistrate E. U. Chinaka of the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Owerri, who sat as a coroner to investigate Njoku’s death.

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 recommendations promptly, prosecute anyone found to have criminal responsibility where sufficient evidence exists, and provide adequate compensation and reparation to Njoku’s family.

It also called for an independent investigation into reported attempts to obstruct the court-ordered autopsy and intimidate witnesses.

The coroner found that Njoku had been detained for about six weeks over an allegation of stealing, which Amnesty described as a bailable offence.

According to the findings, demands for money and the inhuman conditions under which he was detained contributed to the deterioration of his health and eventual death.

“Japheth Njoku entered police custody alive. His death demands truth, justice and accountability,” Amnesty International said.

The organisation added that Njoku’s family was entitled to an effective remedy and insisted that anyone found responsible for his death must be held accountable.

Amnesty International said the findings reinforced its concerns about alleged human rights violations at Tiger Base, including arbitrary detention, torture and other ill-treatment, extortion and deaths in custody.

“The organisation calls on the authorities to urgently address these concerns, strengthen safeguards for people in police custody and ensure effective remedies for victims,” the statement said.

The organisation stressed that the authorities must ensure accountability and provide redress to the bereaved family, while addressing broader concerns about the treatment of detainees at the police facility.