Amnesty International Nigeria has expressed concern over the safety and liberty of Okechukwu Nwanguma, a human rights defender and executive director of RULAAC, following threats linked to his work exposing alleged atrocities at the Tiger Base police detention centre.
In a statement on Wednesday, Amnesty said Nonso Nkwa, an Owerri-based independent radio broadcaster and activist, is also receiving similar threats for reporting alleged human rights violations at the facility.
The rights group said the threats have placed the safety and security of both men at risk.
Amnesty described Nwanguma and Nkwa as “brave human rights defenders fighting for justice and accountability”, adding that threatening them for exposing alleged abuses is unacceptable.
The organisation said the pattern of harassment and intimidation against rights defenders, whistleblowers and journalists must be thoroughly investigated.
Amnesty added that individuals who speak out against human rights violations, systemic corruption or publish dissenting views continue to face threats, harassment and, in some cases, detention in Nigeria.
