*Unveiling the Dark Underbelly of Imo's Justice System: The NUJ-4's Chilling Tale* By Ella Michaels
A shocking revelation has emerged from Imo State, where four victims of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) property saga, known as the NUJ-4, have exposed a web of corruption, torture, and human rights violations within the state's judiciary and correctional facility. Their 12-day unlawful imprisonment began on November 28, 2024, despite an existing court order restraining any action on the disputed property.
The NUJ-4's harrowing experience has lifted the lid on a systematic extortion scheme within the prison walls, where inmates are brutally tortured if unable to pay arbitrary fees of up to N20,000 upon arrival. One of the victims narrowly escaped death after being severely beaten by cell leaders for failing to pay the illegal fee.
More disturbingly, these extortion practices allegedly occur with the knowledge and participation of corrupt prison wardens, who reportedly share in the proceeds. The case has also exposed how court officials, particularly Chief Bailiff Mr. Onyekachi Uba, abuse their positions for personal gain, boasting of being "untouchable" due to connections to powerful figures in the state.
The NUJ-4's testimonies paint a picture of a justice system where court orders are manipulated, and public officials engage in corruption with impunity. Their experience has sparked widespread outrage, prompting calls for reform in the Imo judicial and correctional systems.
The case highlights the urgent need for reform in Nigeria's judicial and correctional systems, where corruption and human rights violations are rampant. As noted by the Penal Reform International, corruption is a significant factor in human rights violations in many criminal justice systems ¹.
The NUJ-4 have demanded immediate action, including the arrest of the priest and Chief Bailiff, the return of their confiscated property, and a thorough investigation into their unlawful imprisonment. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in Nigeria's justice system.
