Disturbing claims of abuse have emerged in Aba, Abia State, where residents accuse the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Aba North of unlawful arrests, detentions without due process, and extortion.

Victims say they were subjected to threats and violence during their encounters with the police. One victim, speaking after his release on Sunday, May 18, recounted a harrowing experience. He alleged that he was arrested randomly, accused of filming RRS operations, and held without access to legal representation or family.

?They arrested me for allegedly recording their operations, where they stop people on bikes, seize phones from passersby, and demand N50,000. If you refuse, they take you to the station and demand N300,000 or more,? the victim stated.

He claimed that the officers boasted of immunity, asserting that they reported directly to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and could not be questioned by the Abia State Commissioner of Police.

?I was beaten for refusing to unlock my phone. Officer Dan, the team leader, assaulted me in his office. He said I could report to human rights organisations, but nothing would happen. He told me that Aba is not Lagos and threatened to kill me,? the victim added.

The victim alleged that he was detained for several hours before his family was informed of his whereabouts through witnesses who saw his arrest. He was reportedly denied water, phone calls, and access to legal help at the RRS station, located within the Aba North Local Council Secretariat.

He further alleged that Officer Dan threatened to secure a court order to delete any footage on his phone without consent and that he was detained without being profiled or asked to write a statement.

Victims also claimed that over 25 youths were being held at the RRS facility, some for weeks or months, without trial or contact with family members. These allegations have raised concerns that many reported missing persons in Abia might be in secret police custody.

?Some detainees said they were asked to pay between N30,000 and N1.5 million for their release. If you don?t pay, they label you a ?Yahoo boy.? This is a business for them,? the victim alleged. He described a pattern where detainees were kept incommunicado until they agreed to pay a settlement fee. Only then were they allowed to contact family or friends to arrange payment, often using personal POS machines belonging to the officers. Many detainees were reportedly in poor health, needing urgent medical care, while their families remained unaware of their plight.

However, the RRS Commandant for Abia State denied the allegations, describing them as untrue. He claimed the man had an altercation with the police and fabricated the accusations. ?The public has no reason to fear,? he stated.

The spokesperson for the Abia State Police Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka, also responded, saying the police were investigating the matter. ?If anybody is trying to disparage the police, the person will not go scot-free. If there is any evidence against a police officer, the complaint response unit will ensure accountability,? she said.

Meanwhile, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Danladi Isa, reiterated his commitment to addressing unprofessional conduct within the force.

Speaking with The Guardian in his office yesterday, he emphasised his resolve to safeguard lives, property, and citizens? rights in the state.

Isa disclosed that officers found guilty of misconduct have faced disciplinary actions, including dismissals. He encouraged residents to remain law-abiding and support the police with timely information to enable effective action in the public interest.

He urged anyone with complaints against police units, especially in Aba, to submit petitions or reports, assuring the public that such grievances would be handled confidentially. (The Guardian, but headline rejigged)

Update news