Family Accuses Imo Police Tiger Base of Abducting, Killing Businessman Johnbosco, and Burying Him in Shallow Grave

The family of Mr. Onuocha Johnbosco, a prominent businessman from Umuoni, Ihiteafoukwu in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Imo State, has accused operatives of the Imo State Anti-Kidnapping Squad, known as Tiger Base, of abducting, killing, and secretly burying him.

Johnbosco, who ran a business in Ekeziama, Ahiazu Mbaise, was reportedly abducted on May 31, 2025, by men in a white Toyota Sienna pretending to be customers. Witnesses say the men, later identified as Tiger Base operatives, handcuffed him and shouted, “Catch him, it’s him,” before taking him away.

Despite multiple visits to police formations including the State CID and Tiger Base, officers initially denied having him in custody. Eventually, a police officer allegedly confirmed to journalist and activist Mr. Nonso Nkwa that Johnbosco was detained at Tiger Base.

By then, it was too late—Johnbosco had reportedly been killed and buried in a shallow grave. Commander Ola of Tiger Base allegedly told Mr. Nkwa that the victim was shot while “trying to escape.”

The police later issued a statement dated June 3, claiming Johnbosco was arrested after a shootout and was found with IPOB/ESN-linked items—an account the family strongly disputes, calling it fabricated. Witnesses maintain he was peacefully taken from his shop.

The family also accused the police of ransacking their home and looting Johnbosco’s business. They are demanding the immediate release of his remains, a full investigation, prosecution of the officers involved, an official apology, and a public retraction of the police's statement.

In a petition to the Inspector General of Police, signed by Okechukwu Nwanguma of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), the family cited violations of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law.

“This is not an isolated case,” the petition states, noting Tiger Base’s growing reputation for police brutality. The family is also calling for disciplinary action against Commander Ola and others complicit in the alleged cover-up.

The petition was also sent to the National Human Rights Commission. SaharaReporters’ efforts to get a comment from Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye were unsuccessful.