Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The tragic death of Mr. Magnus Ejiogu, a respected businessman from Obudi Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed scrutiny of the conduct of the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, widely known as “Tiger Base.” According to his family, Mr. Ejiogu was arrested on September 23, 2025, at a routine checkpoint in Owerri under a fabricated charge, subjected to weeks of brutal torture in police custody, and ultimately stabbed to death before being deposited in a morgue.
Family members describe Mr. Ejiogu as a law-abiding father and husband who had no involvement in criminal activities. They allege that his arrest was orchestrated on the orders of a lawyer, Blaise Chigozie Ikpo, linked to a traditional ruler’s murder case, despite the absence of any evidence implicating him. Once in the custody of Tiger Base, the businessman was reportedly denied food, medical attention, family visits, and legal representation. During his detention, he allegedly endured repeated beatings, stabbing, and other forms of physical abuse that ultimately led to his death on October 23, 2025—four days before any formal charge was brought against him in court.
Following the discovery of his death, the family petitioned the Chief Coroner of the Imo State High Court, demanding a full inquest into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Ejiogu’s death. The incident has reignited public criticism of Tiger Base, a unit that has long been accused of extrajudicial killings, torture, and human rights violations.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) reportedly intervened shortly after his arrest on September 27, petitioning the Inspector General of Police after Mrs. Ejiogu reported her husband’s mistreatment and denial of access. However, critics say the response from law enforcement authorities has been slow and inadequate, intensifying public anger and distrust.
The family’s social media outcry has resonated widely, with the hashtag #ShutDownTigerBase trending across multiple platforms as citizens demand justice and the disbandment of the notorious police unit. Activists argue that Tiger Base operates with impunity, and without decisive action, other innocent individuals could suffer similar fates.
Civil society groups have called for an independent, transparent investigation into the death of Mr. Ejiogu, urging the federal and state governments to hold accountable those responsible and to implement safeguards that prevent further abuse. The tragic case underscores ongoing concerns about police brutality, human rights violations, and the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies.
The death of Magnus Ejiogu has become a rallying point for advocacy against police abuse, highlighting the tension between security operations and fundamental human rights in Imo State and across Nigeria.
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