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A Disturbing Pattern of Extortion and Detention
Reports emerging from Aba, Abia State, paint a troubling picture of alleged police brutality, unlawful detention, and extortion by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Aba North. Victims claim they were randomly arrested, denied legal representation, and forced to pay exorbitant sums to secure their release.
Victims Speak Out
One victim, released on May 18, described his harrowing ordeal—he was accused of filming RRS operations, detained without access to family or legal counsel, and allegedly beaten for refusing to unlock his phone.
“They stop people on bikes, seize phones, and demand ₦50,000. If you refuse, they take you to the station and demand ₦300,000 or more,” he recounted.
According to him, officers boasted of immunity, claiming they report directly to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and that even the Abia State Commissioner of Police could not question them.
Secret Detentions and Extortion Allegations
The victim further revealed that over 25 youths were being held at the RRS facility, some for weeks or months, without trial or family contact. Many detainees were reportedly forced to pay between ₦30,000 and ₦1.5 million for their release, with officers allegedly using personal POS machines to process payments.
“This is a business for them. They seize your phone, force you to open it, then demand millions,” he said.
Human Rights Groups Demand Action
These allegations raise serious concerns about human rights violations, police impunity, and systemic abuse. Legal advocates and human rights organizations are calling for an urgent investigation into the operations of RRS Aba North, demanding national intervention to address these troubling reports.
What Happens Next?
With public outrage growing, will authorities step in to investigate these claims? Or will victims continue to suffer in silence?
For now, the call for justice is loud, and Nigerians are watching.
