For over five years, a police officer stationed at the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, known as Tiger Base in Owerri, has endured escalating conflicts after rejecting an alleged personal advance from the unit’s commander.
Members of the Imo State Police Command’s controversial Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Tiger Base, have raised serious concerns about threats to their safety and a looming dismissal scheme reportedly orchestrated by their commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa. These claims point to a misuse of authority within the unit.
In an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters on Saturday, January 3, one officer detailed ongoing harassment, public humiliation, and targeted professional persecution by ACP Odeyeyiwa.
“I have been subjected to constant degradation by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, who leads the Anti-Kidnapping Unit here in Owerri,” the officer revealed.
The officer also refuted accusations of conspiring with activists and social media commentators-including former presidential aspirant Omoyele Sowore, VeryDarkMan, and Nonso Nkwa-to undermine Tiger Base due to its alleged misconduct.
“They have falsely accused me of collaborating with Sowore, Nonso Nkwa, and VeryDarkMan to discredit Tiger Base. I possess evidence to prove otherwise,” the officer asserted.
Having served at Tiger Base for several years, the officer traced the origin of the conflict to a rejected personal relationship proposal from the commander.
“I have been part of Tiger Base for years. The tension began when I declined to pursue a relationship with Mr. Ola. Since then, he has vowed to remove me from my position,” the officer stated.
On October 18, 2025, the officer was reassigned from Tiger Base to the Egbema Division-a transfer described as perilous due to repeated threats to their life.
“After my transfer to Egbema Division, I faced multiple terror threats, all of which the commander was aware of,” the officer explained.
Concerned for their safety, the officer reached out to ACP Odeyeyiwa, requesting a change in posting.
“I contacted the commander, explaining the risks involved and asking for a reassignment. He assured me to remain calm and promised to address it,” the officer recounted.
Despite these assurances, no action was taken. Weeks passed, and the commander advised continued patience, but the situation remained unchanged.
Seeking further assistance, the officer approached CSP Shaba, the Chief Security Officer to the Imo State Government and a close associate of the commander.
“I visited CSP Shaba at Government House, hoping for support, but he redirected me back to the commander,” the officer said.
Months later, the officer was informed by a colleague linked to the provost that a dismissal letter had already been drafted.
“After weeks and months, someone connected to the provost informed me that my dismissal letter was prepared,” the officer disclosed.
Attempts to communicate with ACP Odeyeyiwa were met with silence and eventual blocking on phone calls. However, the commander responded via WhatsApp, accusing the officer of seeking information to leak to activists.
“He accused me of trying to gather details to share with VDM, Sowore, and Nonso Nkwa,” the officer recalled.
Further allegations include the commander openly discussing the dismissal plan with his girlfriend, who reportedly spread the information among others.
“He told his girlfriend about his intention to dismiss me, which she then shared with people. His earlier promises to reinstate me were deceptive,” the officer added.
Describing the internal environment at the Imo State Police Command, the officer painted a picture of unchecked dominance by ACP Odeyeyiwa and CSP Shaba.
“CSO Shaba and Oladimeji hold immense power here. Every officer fears them; no one dares approach them,” the officer said.
Fearing for their life and aware of serious misconduct within the unit, the officer feels trapped, unable to expose the truth without risking severe retaliation.
“I am aware of many wrongdoings in that office, but I am terrified because they are ruthless,” the officer confessed.
Appealing for immediate intervention, the officer emphasized the urgency due to threats against personal safety and family welfare.
“I urgently need help. I am the sole provider for my family and cannot risk their safety,” the officer pleaded.
Efforts by SaharaReporters to obtain comments from the Imo State Police Command, ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, and CSP Shaba were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
