A human rights organisation, Sterling Law Centre, has called for the immediate investigation, dismissal, and prosecution of three officers of the Nigeria Police Force’s Intelligence Response Team (IGP-IRT) over the alleged abduction, unlawful detention, extortion, extrajudicial killing, and cover-up of Mr Dumsira Edward Leera.

The centre recounted that Leera was engaged by the Kana Local Council Chairman in Rivers State in 2019 to facilitate peace between rival cult groups.

“Despite his lawful involvement in the peace initiative, he was unlawfully arrested by ASP David Ameh Agbo and his team, detained for 17 days, and released only after a N1.5 million bribe was paid. He was re-arrested in November 2019 after refusing to pay an additional N3 million demanded by the same officers.

“While in custody, suspicious withdrawals were made from his bank account, and ASP Agbo was reportedly seen driving Leera’s private vehicle. Despite a court order for his release, the police refused to comply. It was not until 2021 (during the National Human Rights Commission’s post-#EndSARS panel sittings) that the family was informed he had died in police custody during an unexplained operation,” the group stated.

It noted that the NHRC panel ruled in favour of the family, awarding N10 million to his widow and recommending the prosecution of the involved officers. However, nearly four years later, none of the officers has been brought to justice.

In a petition to the Police Service Commission (PSC), the centre demanded the prosecution and dismissal of ASP David Ameh Agbo, SP Martins Samuel, and DSP Essien E. Edet; the return of the deceased’s vehicle to the family; and enforcement of the NHRC panel’s recommendations.

The centre’s principal counsel, Deji Ajare, said: “This is a deeply disturbing case that calls into question the accountability mechanisms within the police. We urge the Police Service Commission to act without further delay.”