Students are not ATMs” — RULAAC condemns alleged Police predatory practices in Imo

Stanley Ihedigbo

Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has issued a strongly worded open letter to the Imo State Police Command, raising serious concerns over renewed allegations of harassment, arbitrary arrests, and extortion of students and young people in Imo State.

In a letter signed by the group Executive Director, Com. Okechukwu Nwanguma, titled “Save our students and young people from Police predatory practices,” the Abuja-based advocacy organization expressed deep concern over what it described as “routine operations” targeting students, particularly around the vicinity of Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Owerri.

Allegations of Harassment and Extortion
According to RULAAC, the disturbing pattern came to light after its Executive Director visited the Nekede axis following a burial ceremony in Mbaise.

What was meant to be a calm evening reportedly turned chaotic when police officers arrived in the area, prompting students and young people to flee.

Students who spoke with the organization alleged that police operatives frequently conduct random stop-and-search operations, subject female students to intrusive handbag searches, and inspect mobile phones belonging to young men without lawful justification.

More troubling, the group claimed that students are allegedly arrested for possessing items such as cigarettes, lighters, and condoms, none of which constitute criminal offences under Nigerian law, and are detained until they pay so-called “bail” fees ranging from ₦30,000 and above.

RULAAC described these alleged practices as profiling, harassment, abuse of power, and organized extortion.
“Possession of cigarettes, lighters, or condoms is not a criminal offence under Nigerian law. Nor is dressing in a particular manner or being outdoors at night a crime,” the organization stated.

“The Nigeria Police Force is empowered to enforce the law, not invent offences to justify revenue extraction from vulnerable young people.”

The rights group recalled that similar complaints were raised during the First Women, Youth and Police Dialogue on Insecurity and Crime Prevention through Partnership Building held in Owerri on May 23, 2024.

The event was jointly organized by RULAAC and the African Youth Initiative on Crime Prevention (AYCRIP) in partnership with the Imo State Police Command.

At the forum, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, who was represented by ACP Edwin J. Mpat, reportedly commended the initiative and pledged improved collaboration between the police and young people.

The National President of the National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS), Comrade Obi Okechukwu Anthony, had also raised concerns about the incessant harassment of students across campuses in Imo State and called for constructive engagement rather than intimidation.

RULAAC noted that the Police Public Relations Officer at the dialogue promised to escalate the complaints and initiate dialogue sessions with students to rebuild trust.

“Unfortunately,” the group lamented, “recent reports suggest that rather than improving, the situation may be deteriorating.”

RULAAC stressed that stop-and-search operations must comply with constitutional safeguards and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), warning that they should not be used as fishing expeditions.

The group emphasized that bail is free under Nigerian law and described the alleged ₦30,000 demands as systemic extortion.

“The intrusive search of female students’ handbags and profiling based on dress were described as violations of dignity and fundamental rights. Targeting students around campuses, the organization warned, fosters fear and resentment while eroding public trust in law enforcement.

RULAAC called on the Imo State Commissioner of Police to immediately investigate allegations of harassment and extortion around Nekede Polytechnic and other campus environments.

“Publicly reaffirm that bail is free and that possession of lawful items is not an offence. Issue clear operational guidelines on lawful stop-and-search procedures. Establish a transparent complaints and redress mechanism accessible to students.

Convene the previously promised dialogue meeting with student representatives, including NAISS, within 30 days, the organization warned that Imo State is already grappling with insecurity and strained police-community relations, adding that predatory policing against students could deepen mistrust and widen the legitimacy gap.

“Students are not prey. Young people are not walking ATMs. Policing must not become a nightly hunt for revenue,” the letter stated.

RULAAC urged the Imo State Police Command to treat the matter with urgency and sincerity, stressing that protecting students is not only a legal obligation but also an investment in the future stability of the state.

The group reaffirmed its readiness to engage constructively with the authorities to promote accountability, rebuild trust, and strengthen rights-respecting policing in Imo State.