The family of Levi Opara, a 46-year-old businessman from Emekuku in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, is demanding justice after he allegedly died from torture and a stab wound while in the custody of the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, known as Tiger Base.
Opara, a father of five, was arrested following what relatives described as a domestic disagreement between him and his wife, but reportedly died less than a week after being detained.
According to the family, officers identified simply as Moses and Blessing repeatedly tortured Opara and ignored pleas from his children for his release. One of his twin daughters recounted how Officer Moses allegedly boasted that their father would not be freed “no matter the money or connection” the family had.
The family said they were denied access to Opara throughout his detention, with officers giving conflicting explanations that he was “sleeping” or unavailable for visitation. They were later informed that he fell ill around 6 a.m. and died on the way to the police clinic.
The family, however, rejected the police account. They resisted attempts by officers to conduct an autopsy without their consent, insisting on using an independent pathologist. A joint autopsy reportedly revealed that Opara was stabbed in the neck—contradicting the police’s claim that he died of an illness.
In another twist, the family said they were shocked to find Opara’s body already embalmed at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, without their authorization. “It was clear they were hiding something,” his daughter said.
Relatives emphasized that the matter between the couple was purely domestic, questioning why he was detained at Tiger Base—an outfit long accused of harsh interrogations, extrajudicial killings, and extortion.
The incident has sparked outrage after journalist and human rights activist Nonsonkwa publicized the family’s account on social media, calling for the officers’ immediate arrest and prosecution.
“A man was arrested over a family issue and returned in a body bag. This cannot be swept aside,” the activist said.
The family is calling on the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and human rights organizations to intervene and ensure justice.
As of the time of filing this report, the Imo State Police Command has not issued an official response to the allegations.
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