Imo Businessman Dies After Alleged Torture in Police Custody as Family Demands Justice

The family of 46-year-old Imo businessman, Levi Opara, is demanding justice after he reportedly died from torture while detained at the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, popularly called Tiger Base. Opara, arrested over a domestic dispute with his wife, allegedly suffered severe torture and a stab wound to the neck inflicted by officers identified as Moses and Blessing. His children say police repeatedly denied them access and gave conflicting explanations about his condition before announcing his death. A joint autopsy conducted by police and an independent pathologist confirmed he was stabbed, contradicting claims of sudden illness. The family also decried the unauthorized embalming of his body and the attempt by police to control the autopsy process. Activist Nonsonkwa has called for the arrest of the officers involved as Tiger Base faces renewed accusations of extortion, brutality, and extrajudicial killings. Authorities have yet to release an official statement.