An Imo coroner has concluded that six weeks of prolonged detention contributed to the death of Japhet Njoku in police custody, recommending prosecution of two officers, compensation for his family and sweeping reforms at the controversial Tiger Base unit.
A Magistrates’ Court sitting as a coroner in Owerri has recommended the prosecution of two officers attached to the Imo State Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit known as Tiger Base following an inquest into the death of Japhet Njoku.
Chief Magistrate E. U. Chinaka found that Njoku was detained for about six weeks over an allegation of stealing and that prolonged detention and poor conditions contributed to the deterioration of his health.
The inquest heard competing evidence concerning whether money was demanded before Njoku could be released on bail.
The court rejected the police explanation that he was held because he had been identified as a terrorist, finding that the alleged confession was not properly documented.
It recommended that the Imo State Ministry of Justice prosecute Inspector Barnabas and CSP Oladimeji for alleged extortion and corruption linked to the denial of bail.
The recommendation is not a criminal conviction.
The coroner also called for CCTV installation in police detention facilities, training on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Police Act, compensation for Njoku’s family and reforms at Tiger Base.
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Source: TheNigeriaLawyer
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