Police Brutality in Aba: Victims Expose Shocking Abuse, Extortion by Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Officers in Abia State

 

Disturbing reports are surfacing from Aba, Abia State, pointing to severe cases of police brutality, extortion, and illegal detention allegedly carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) stationed at Aba North. These allegations have sent shockwaves across the community, revealing what many residents now describe as a “reign of terror” led by rogue police officers exploiting their authority for personal gain.

In this in-depth report, NaijaRush uncovers eyewitness testimonies and victim accounts of how these RRS officers are allegedly operating with total disregard for the rule of law, human rights, and police ethics, leading to calls for urgent government intervention.

A Pattern of Abuse and Extortion in Aba North

Multiple victims who recently regained their freedom have come forward with harrowing details of their encounters with the RRS operatives in Aba North. The accounts paint a chilling picture of systemic abuse, intimidation, and corruption.

One such victim, who was released on Sunday, May 18th, shared his traumatic experience with NaijaRush, describing how he was unlawfully picked up by the police, detained without charge, and subjected to both physical assault and extortion.

“They arrested me for allegedly recording their operations—where they stop people on bikes, seize phones from passersby, and demand ₦50,000. If you refuse, they take you to the station and demand ₦300,000 or more,” he recounted.

This disturbing revelation aligns with growing concerns among Aba residents, many of whom now live in fear of being randomly arrested or profiled as "Yahoo boys" simply for carrying smartphones or using motorbikes.

Allegations of Impunity and Intimidation

The victim further revealed that the officers involved—particularly one Officer Dan, reportedly the 2YC (Second in Command) of the RRS unit—openly boast about their immunity from oversight. According to him, they claim direct reporting lines to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and operate without fear of consequences.

“I was beaten for refusing to unlock my phone. Officer Dan, the 2YC leading the team, assaulted me in his office. He said I could report to human rights organizations, but nothing would happen. He told me Aba is not Lagos, and threatened to kill me. He said, ‘I’ll keep you in the cell until Tuesday and no one will know.’”

This statement is particularly alarming as it indicates a level of institutional failure, where law enforcement agents feel emboldened to commit crimes against civilians under the assumption that they are above the law.

“He did—five hours passed before my family found out where I was, thanks to witnesses who saw the arrest and called my family.”

Detention Without Due Process: The RRS Holding Facility in Aba North

The victim also described horrific conditions at the RRS station, which is reportedly situated within the Aba North Local Government Secretariat. He alleges he was denied water, access to a phone call, and even the right to contact a lawyer. Moreover, the officers allegedly attempted to obtain a court order to unlock and delete any footage from his phone without his consent.

“I was detained without being profiled or asked to write a statement.”

This flagrant disregard for Nigerian constitutional rights, which guarantees detainees access to legal representation and due process, is a grave human rights violation.

Over 25 Youths Held incommunicado – Where Are the Missing Persons of Abia State?

Even more shocking was the victim’s disclosure that over 25 young men were being held at the same RRS facility. Some had been there for weeks or months, detained without trial, without family notification, and without formal charges. This raises serious questions about the whereabouts of many missing persons reported in Abia State.

“Some detainees said they were asked to pay between ₦30,000 and ₦1.5 million to be released. If you don’t pay, they label you a ‘Yahoo boy.’”

This statement reveals what appears to be a corrupt revenue scheme, where officers exploit digital profiling—a controversial practice in Nigeria where youths carrying smartphones or laptops are automatically suspected of cybercrime.

“This is a business for them. They seize your phone, either force you to open it or open it without your consent, then demand millions. They say nothing will happen because they report directly to the IG,” the victim added.

A System of Extortion: Personal POS Machines and Forced Settlements

According to the report, the officers have developed a system where detainees are kept isolated until they agree to settlement fees, after which they are permitted to contact family or friends to arrange payment. The payments, in many cases, are processed through personal Point of Sale (POS) machines operated by the officers themselves—an act that is not only unethical but clearly illegal.

This practice has allegedly become so routine that families of victims are now familiar with the extortion demands and often feel helpless due to fear of retaliation.

Deteriorating Health Conditions Among Detainees

The victim also highlighted the poor health conditions of many detainees. According to him, some have developed serious illnesses due to the lack of food, clean water, and medical attention. Yet, because many are being held incommunicado, their families are unaware of their location or deteriorating health.

This raises urgent humanitarian concerns. Prolonged illegal detention without access to medical care not only violates national laws but also international human rights standards.

A Call for National Attention and Accountability

These revelations from Aba North are not isolated. Similar stories have emerged from other parts of Nigeria, where units such as SARS and now RRS have been repeatedly accused of abuses. Following the #EndSARS protests of 2020, Nigerians had hoped for real police reform. However, incidents like these show that the culture of impunity within the police force remains deeply entrenched.

Human rights organizations, civil society groups, and legal advocates are now calling for:

• Immediate investigation of the RRS unit in Aba North

• Suspension and prosecution of officers involved, especially those named in the reports

• Independent audits of police stations across Abia State

• Establishment of human rights monitoring teams to inspect detention facilities

• Public transparency from the Nigeria Police Force on this matter

Conclusion: It’s Time to Say “Enough Is Enough”

The story told by this victim is not just about his personal ordeal—it’s a mirror reflecting the broken state of policing in Nigeria. From arbitrary arrests to illegal detentions, torture, extortion, and the threat of extrajudicial killings, these are not minor misconducts—they are crimes against the Nigerian people.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Abia State Government must act swiftly to investigate and dismantle this apparent criminal enterprise operating under the guise of law enforcement. If they fail, they risk further eroding public trust in the police force and allowing more innocent Nigerians to fall victim.

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By: Concerned Citizen
Ndubuisi John