…As Students Suffer Extortion, Harassment
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) said it is disturbed by many has reports of harassment, arbitrary arrests, and extortion of students and young people in Imo State, particularly around the vicinity of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri.
In an open letter to the Imo State Police Command, RULAAC described a disturbing pattern of police predatory practices, including random stop-and-search operations, intrusive searchings of female students’ handbags, and unlawful inspection of young men’s mobile phones.
The organization stated that students are being arrested and detained for possessing “cigarettes, lighters, or condoms”, and are required to pay “bail” fees ranging from ₦30,000 and above to secure their release. These practices amount to profiling, harassment, abuse of power, and organized extortion, and are not in line with Nigerian law, according to RULAAC.
The group recalled that similar complaints were raised during a dialogue session between students, police, and other stakeholders in May 2024, but the situation appears to have deteriorated.
Arbitrary Stop-And-Search Practices
RULAAC expressed concern over the arbitrary stop-and-search practices, stating that they must comply with constitutional safeguards and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL). The organization also condemned the extortion disguised as bail, stating that bail is free under Nigerian law.
Gender-Based Intrusion
The intrusive search of female handbags and profiling based on dress raise serious human rights and dignity concerns, RULAAC said. The organization called on the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, to immediately investigate allegations of extortion and harassment around Nekede Polytechnic and other campus environments.
Demands For Action
RULAAC demanded that the police publicly reaffirm that bail is free and that possession of lawful items such as cigarettes or condoms is not an offence. The organization also called for clear operational guidelines to be issued to officers on lawful stop-and-search procedures, and for a transparent complaints and redress mechanism to be established.
A Call To Protect Students
RULAAC emphasized that protecting students is not only a legal duty but an investment in the future stability of Imo State. The organization urged the Imo State Police Command to treat the matter with urgency and sincerity, and to engage in constructive dialogue with students and other stakeholders to restore trust and promote rights-respecting policing.
