Rivers Community Accuses Police Of Sustained Harassment, Arbitrary Arrests

Residents of Taabaa Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State have accused operatives of the Nigerian Police Force of sustained harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests in the area.

They alleged that the pattern of police operations in recent months has created tension in the community, with several residents reportedly subjected to repeated arrests and questioning.

Speaking to journalists in Bori, the traditional ruler of Taabaa Community, Chief Prosper Neeuwe, said the community had witnessed what he described as increasing cases of harassment, arrests, and alleged extortion by security operatives.

“In recent months, Taabaa Community has experienced what appears to be an increasing pattern of police harassment, arrests, torture and extortion,” he said.

“Since February this year, several members of our community have reportedly been subjected to unwarranted arrests and other forms of intimidation, including HRH Chief M.S.K. Nule.”

He also disclosed that about 15 indigenes of the community were being sought by police in connection with an alleged attempted murder case involving His Majesty, Mene Suanu T. Y. Baridam of Bangha Kingdom.

Chief Neeuwe, however, insisted that Taabaa Community had no involvement in the alleged incident.

“It is important to state unequivocally that Taabaa Community has no knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the incident involving Mene Suanu Baridam,” he said.

“We strongly condemn any act of violence or criminality and remain committed to peace, justice, and the rule of law.”

The monarch expressed concern that continued arrests and security pressure could escalate tensions in the area, urging law enforcement agencies to ensure professionalism and respect for human rights in their operations.

“We therefore call on the relevant authorities to ensure that all investigations are conducted professionally, impartially, and within the bounds of the law while respecting the fundamental rights and dignity of all citizens,” he added.

Meanwhile, the wife of the arrested youth leader, Mrs. Cecilia Nwike Tor-Ue, said her husband was picked up in the early hours of Monday by armed men dressed in black and operating in large numbers.

She alleged that about 20 armed men stormed their residence around 6:40 a.m. and took her husband away, adding that his whereabouts remain unknown.

“This early morning, around 6:40 to 7:00 this morning, I was in my house when I saw some men, all of them were on black with guns. They were about 20 in number. They came and carried my husband away. Till now, I don’t know his whereabouts,” she said.

Mrs. Tor-Ue also appealed to the Rivers State Police Command and other security agencies to intervene, noting that her husband had recently been released from detention and still had a pending court matter.

She further expressed concern that he was ill at the time of his arrest and may not be receiving proper medical attention.

The police authorities had yet to issue an official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.