South-East killings, torture allegations: Rights groups demand probe

By Desire Uzochukwu

A coalition of human rights organisations has called for an independent investigation into allegations of killings, torture, enforced disappearances and secret burials linked to security operations in South-East Nigeria, demanding answers over the fate of missing detainees and reports of deaths in custody.

The coalition, comprising the South-East Human Rights Bureau (SEHRB), Oganihu Igbo Development Foundation and the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), also demanded a forensic investigation into reports of unidentified bodies in mortuaries in Imo State.

Addressing a joint press conference in Enugu on Saturday, the organisations alleged that some detainees had been held for prolonged periods without access to their families and lawyers, while others were reportedly transferred to detention facilities outside the South-East without adequate notification to their relatives.

They identified Wawa Barracks in Niger State, as well as custodial centres in Kuje and Suleja, among the facilities where some detainees were reportedly held.

“Our position is clear: The State has a duty to protect citizens from violence, but security operations must themselves comply with the law. Fighting lawlessness cannot justify lawlessness by the State,” the coalition said.

The groups presented testimonies from families whose relatives allegedly disappeared after being arrested by security operatives, with some reportedly remaining unaccounted for years after their arrests.

One of the cases highlighted was that of Ozioma Elizabeth Onyeaka, a 35-year-old teacher from Anambra State, who reportedly disappeared for more than five years before her family learnt that she was alive and being detained at Wawa Barracks.

The coalition also raised concerns over the case of Sunday Ifedi and his wife, Calista, who were reportedly arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Enugu in 2021 and transferred to Wawa Barracks.

According to the organisations, Sunday regained his freedom after more than four years in detention, while Calista allegedly died in custody.

The coalition cited allegations attributed to Sunday and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore that Calista was buried in a shallow grave at Wawa Barracks.

It demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances of her reported death, the disclosure of relevant custody and medical records, and the identification of her alleged burial site.

The organisations said that if the allegations were substantiated, her remains should be recovered and released to her family for a dignified burial.

Another case raised by the coalition involved Esther Okwudili Egbom, who was reportedly arrested by DSS operatives during a night prayer programme in Aba, Abia State, in February 2025.

Her daughter, Chiamaka, alleged that the operatives were searching for another person who had escaped before their arrival but arrested her mother because she owned the ministry where the operation took place.

The family reportedly has not seen Egbom since the incident. Chiamaka also alleged that her brother was beaten during the operation and later died.

The coalition called on the DSS to account for Egbom’s whereabouts and investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged death of her son.

The organisations also cited other testimonies involving alleged torture, prolonged detention and denial of family contact concerning persons reportedly arrested in Owerri, Orlu and other parts of the South-East.

They said the allegations, if established, could constitute serious violations of constitutional rights, the Anti-Torture Act 2017 and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

On reports of unidentified bodies in Imo State, the coalition demanded independent forensic investigations to establish the identities of the deceased and determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

It called for the preservation of mortuary registers, police records, autopsy reports and other relevant evidence, as well as DNA testing where necessary to identify the remains.

The organisations urged the Federal Government, the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS, military authorities, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the National Human Rights Commission to establish an independent investigative mechanism to examine the allegations of disappearances, torture and deaths in custody.

They also demanded a comprehensive audit of detention facilities to establish the identities and legal status of detainees, their custody histories and whether they had access to judicial safeguards.

However, the coalition condemned killings, abductions and other atrocities allegedly committed by armed separatist elements, criminal gangs and other non-state actors in the region.

“There must be no hierarchy of victims,” the organisations said, insisting that civilians killed by armed criminals, security personnel unlawfully killed, detainees who disappear in state custody, torture survivors and unidentified dead all deserve truth, justice and accountability.

The groups urged the National Assembly, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, and the media to support credible investigations into the allegations.

“The missing must be accounted for. The detained must have access to justice. The dead must be identified and treated with dignity,” the coalition said.