The police staff recounted having worked at Tiger Base for over five years before the troubles began, alleging that the conflict escalated after rejecting an alleged personal relationship with the commander.
Police staff attached to the controversial Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, popularly known as Tiger Base, Owerri, have raised the alarm over alleged threats to life and an ongoing dismissal plot, allegedly by the unit’s commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, in an apparent abuse of power.
Speaking with SaharaReporters on Saturday, January 3, one of the staff alleged being subjected to sustained intimidation, humiliation, and professional victimisation by ACP Odeyeyiwa.
“I am being humiliated by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, who is the commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Owerri, Imo state,” the police staff said.
The police staff further lamented being falsely accused of collaborating with activists and social commentators including former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, VeryDarkMan and Nonso Nkwa, to bring down Tiger Base because of its series of alleged atrocious activities.
“I have been accused of working with Sowore, Nonso Nkwa and VeryDarkMan to bring Tiger Base down. I have proof,” the police staff told SaharaReporters.
The police staff recounted having worked at Tiger Base for over five years before the troubles began, alleging that the conflict escalated after rejecting an alleged personal relationship with the commander.
“I have worked in Tiger Base for years. Because I refuse to go ahead with my relationship with Mr Ola, he has sworn to dismiss me from the job,” the police staff alleged.
The police staff reported being transferred from Tiger Base to Egbema Division on October 18, 2025, a posting the staff described as dangerous due to repeated threats to life.
“I was transferred from Tiger Base to Egbema Division. I have been threatened with terrorism several times, which the commander knows about,” the staff said.
The staff recounted contacting the commander to express concern over safety and pleaded for a change in posting.
“That means that going there was a big risk, so I called the commander and pleaded with him to change my posting, and he assured me that I should relax, and that he will do it,” the staff said.
However, the police staff claimed the assurances never materialised, saying, “I waited for weeks and he asked me to continue waiting, which I did but nothing happened.”
The staff recounted later seeking help from the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Imo State Government, simply identified as CSP Shaba, who is a close friend to the commander.
“I then went to see the CSO Government House, CSP Shaba, because he and the commander are best friends, but he asked me to see the commander,” the staff said.
The police staff alleged being informed months later of an already typed dismissal.
“Weeks passed, months passed, I was called by someone working with the provost that they have typed my dismissal letter,” the staff said.
According to the police staff, attempts to reach ACP Odeyeyiwa failed.
“I quickly called my commander but I noticed he had blocked me. Then, I chatted with him on WhatsApp and he replied, and I pleaded to speak with him but he said, ‘go ahead. You want to get more information from me so that you can pass it to VDM or Sowore and Nonso Nkwa?’” the police staff recounted.
The police staff further claimed that the commander openly discussed the alleged dismissal plans with his girlfriend.
“He told his girlfriend that he will dismiss me, which the girl goes about telling people. I did not know he was telling me to relax, that he will return me back was a scam,” the staff said.
Describing the atmosphere within the Imo State Police Command, the police staff alleged that ACP Odeyeyiwa and CSO Shaba wield unchecked power.
“CSO Shaba and Oladimeji are like gods in Imo state. Every police officer is afraid of them, no one comes close,” the staff said.
The police staff expressed fear for life, alleging knowledge of serious misconduct within the unit but feeling unable to speak out due to risk of victimization and possible elimination.
“I know a lot going on in that office but I am afraid because they are deadly. When I mean deadly, they are,” the staff said.
Appealing for urgent intervention, the police staff lamented safety and livelihood were at stake.
“I need urgent help in every way because I am the bread winner of my family and wouldn’t want them to be harmed,” she added.
However, SaharaReporters’ efforts to reach the Imo State Police Command, ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, and CSP Shaba for comments on the allegations were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.