The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has championed the cry of the resident of Imo States and strongly condemned the controversial release of Chibuike Duru, popularly known as Nwamgbenta, by the Imo State Police Command.
The group is demanding an immediate reversal of the decision, re‑arrest of Duru, and prosecution of all members of his alleged torture and terror gang accused of multiple violent crimes.
Arrests and Sudden Releases
Duru was first arrested on May 14, 2026, by the Imo State Police Command’s Violent Crimes Response Unit.
Shockingly, he was freed within hours, with police sources reportedly describing him as “one of our guys working for us and for politicians.”
Following public outcry and petitions from survivors and lawyers, he was re‑arrested on May 21, 2026, and detained at the State CID’s Homicide Section.
Yet, by the evening of May 23, 2026, he was controversially released again, allegedly on the orders of Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso.
By dawn on May 24, gunshots rang out in celebration in Duru’s hometown of Egwedu Autonomous Community, Atta‑Njaba LGA.
The gunshots reportedly heralded his return as he reunited with his gang and political backers.
Villagers described renewed threats, intimidation, and jubilation that spread panic across the community.
Allegations of Heinous Crimes
Petitions filed by J.U. Ijeoma & Associates and monitored by Intersociety accuse Duru and his gang of:
- Murder and Torture: Victims include Chiedozie Awalie, allegedly killed and his body set ablaze in November 2025.
Another was Ifeanyi Nnadiemere, who died in custody in January 2026 after severe torture.
- Illegal Detention: Survivors recount being held in a “human cage” at Duru’s residence.
They were reportedly starved, beaten, and extorted for bail fees ranging from ₦300,000 to ₦1 million.
Families were forced to pay ₦5,000 each time they brought food.
- Kidnapping and Threats: Victims like Chinonso Moses Ejiofor were detained for days and threatened with death if they spoke out.
- Property Destruction: Community infrastructure, including fifteen solar street lights, was destroyed in 2024 for “obstructing the gang’s criminal activities at night.”
- Parallel Justice System: Duru allegedly acted as judge and jury, wielding AK‑47 rifles and enforcing verdicts through violence, under the guise of a vigilante outfit backed by local politicians.
Police Complicity and Commercialization of Justice
Intersociety accuses the Imo State Police Command of flouting directives from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and commercializing investigations.
Petitioners claim to have spent at least ₦1.5 million, including ₦1 million on “mobilization fees” for investigators, much of it allegedly extorted through unofficial channels.
The group warns that if a high‑profile case backed by the IGP can be compromised, ordinary citizens stand little chance of justice.
“This despicable practice has bastardized criminal investigations, encouraged inconclusive reports, and pegged justice at the highest bidder,” Intersociety stated.
Political Protection
Reports claim Duru struck a deal with the government‑backed militia Ebubeagu, enabling him to operate unchecked.
The chairman of Njaba Local Government Area allegedly acted twice as his bail surety, fueling suspicions of political protection.
Intersociety warns that such alliances between armed gangs and political actors deepen insecurity and erode public trust in state institutions.
Legal Framework Ignored
Nigeria’s Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015) permit suspects accused of violent crimes to be detained for up to 60 days via court remand orders.
Petitioners argue that Duru and his gang could have been legally held pending investigation, preventing further intimidation of witnesses and destruction of evidence.
Instead, repeated releases have emboldened the gang, undermined public trust, and endangered survivors.
Intersociety’s Demands
Intersociety is calling for:
- Immediate Re‑Arrest of Duru and His Gang to prevent further crimes.
- Transfer of Case to Abuja for impartial investigation under the IGP’s office.
- Accountability for Police Officers who compromised the case.
- Protection for Petitioners and Witnesses against reprisals.
- Dismantling of Torture Chambers and illegal detention facilities.
The group warns that unless decisive action is taken, “many feathers will be ruffled” within the Imo State CID and the culture of impunity will deepen.
The controversial release of Chibuike Duru highlights systemic failures in Nigeria’s policing and justice system.
Allegations of murder, torture, and extortion remain unresolved, while police complicity and political protection shield suspects from accountability.
For Nigeria to uphold the rule of law, the case of Nwamgbenta must not be swept under the carpet.
Intersociety insists that justice delayed here is not just justice denied—it is justice destroyed.
