Disappearance Of Detainee, RULAAC Petitions Lagos CP

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has filed an urgent petition with the Commissioner, Lagos State Police Command, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, seeking the immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of Chukwudi Udeh, who allegedly disappeared after being taken into custody by officers of the Onikan Police Division.

The petition to the CP was signed by the Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma and dated March 17, 2026.

It describes as “troubling” the series of events that began on the night of March 16, 2026.

According to RULAAC, Udeh was arrested in Ikoyi, Lagos State and taken to the Onikan Station, but has not been heard from since.

“Since his arrest, all efforts to reach him via his mobile phone have failed, as his line has remained unreachable,” Nwanguma stated in the petition.

The situation turned opaque when family members visited the station seeking answers.

While officers reportedly admitted that the arrest took place, they claimed Udeh had already been released.

However, the police failed to provide any documentation to support this claim or identify the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) in charge of the case.

The advocacy group expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency regarding Udeh’s vehicle, which is also currently missing.

While the family asserts that he was driving at the time of his arrest, officers at the station have denied that any vehicle was brought in with him.

“The contradiction inherent in admitting arrest while asserting release without any verifiable documentation or trace of the individual is deeply troubling and inconsistent with lawful policing standards,” the petition reads, adding: “This matter raises urgent concerns regarding the safety and rights of Mr Udeh.”

RULAAC has characterised the incident as a potential enforced disappearance and a violation of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which mandates strict record-keeping and transparency.

The group is demanding that the Jimoh, who is now an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), directs the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Onikan Division to provide a full account of the arrest and produce the station diary entries relating to Udeh’s alleged detention and release.

“Situations in which a person is arrested and his or her whereabouts subsequently become uncertain pose grave risks and demand immediate intervention,” Nwanguma added, urging the police command to act without delay to ensure Udeh’s safety.