The family of Mr. Lubem Ordoo Ayagwa, a licensed private security guard, has filed a formal petition to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, demanding justice over the alleged torture and death of their son while in the custody of the notorious Rapid Response Squad (RRS) based at Awkuzu Police Command.
The petition was submitted by Mr. Francis, a human rights advocate and broadcaster with City Radio 89.7FM, on behalf of the grieving family, the Tiv community residing in Anambra State, and their traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Ambrose Iortyer.
According to the detailed account in the petition, Mr. Lubem, a native of Ushongo Local Government Area in Benue State, had been deployed by the Red Guard Security Company to a commercial plaza located opposite the building materials market along the Onitsha–Awka Expressway.
Trouble erupted when a shop owner at the plaza reported the alleged disappearance of goods worth approximately ₦17.5 million. Rather than reporting the matter to the plaza’s management or the security firm, the shop owner allegedly contacted officers at the Ogidi Police Division, who promptly arrested the three on-duty guards and the plaza manager.
The situation escalated when the suspects were transferred to RRS Awkuzu, a unit long associated with allegations of human rights abuses. While in custody, Mr. Lubem reportedly died under suspicious circumstances.
According to the petitioners, access to the detainees was denied, and all external communication was cut off. A representative from the Red Guard Security Company was later casually informed by an RRS officer that Mr. Lubem had died — allegedly as a result of torture inflicted by fellow inmates.
However, this narrative is contradicted by eyewitness accounts and testimonies from other detainees, who claim that it was RRS officers themselves who subjected Lubem to brutal torture. The petition also reveals that his body was initially rejected by the Onitsha General Hospital before being deposited at the Nnewi Teaching Hospital, suggesting that the injuries sustained were severe and possibly fatal.
“The version of events provided by the police does not hold water,” the petition reads. “There are credible reports indicating that the deceased was beaten repeatedly by officers of the RRS, and when his condition worsened, they attempted to conceal their actions.”
The petition also alleges gross misconduct on the part of law enforcement. Notably, while the security guards remained in custody, the shop owner — who initiated the complaint and was considered a potential suspect — was reportedly released without any formal investigation. This, according to the petitioners, raises serious concerns about police impartiality and possible collusion.
They further highlighted that the actions taken by law enforcement officers in this case violate several constitutional rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), including:
- Section 34(1)(a): Right to dignity of the human person
- Section 35(1): Right to personal liberty
- Section 36(5): Presumption of innocence
- Section 46(1): Right to seek redress for infringement of rights
“These violations underscore a troubling pattern of disregard for the rule of law and the ethical responsibilities of the police,” the petitioners stated.
In their demands, the family and community leaders called for:
- A full, independent, and impartial investigation into the events surrounding Mr. Lubem’s arrest, detention, and alleged torture.
- Immediate suspension and prosecution of all officers involved from RRS Awkuzu.
- A comprehensive review of the role played by the Ogidi Police Division and the questionable release of the shop owner.
- Arrest and investigation of the shop owner, believed to be linked to Nolin Ventures Ltd, for unlawful complicity.
- An autopsy report and all relevant medical documentation from Nnewi Teaching Hospital.
- Public apology and adequate compensation to the family of the deceased.
- A formal update from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka on the status of the case.
- Prosecution of any civilian conspirators found to be involved in the incident.
- A strong commitment from the Anambra Commissioner of Police ensuring that such abuse of power will not be tolerated under his leadership.
“This is not just about Mr. Lubem,” the petition concluded. “This is about justice, accountability, and restoring faith in our institutions. If nothing is done, it sends a dangerous message that impunity is acceptable. We implore your office to ensure this matter is not buried under red tape. Justice must be seen to be done.”
