The family of Mr. Pantaleon Osunkwo, residents of Obiuno in the Igboukwu community of Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, has submitted a formal petition to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikioye Orutugu. The petition concerns the alleged unlawful arrest, detention, and prosecution of their son, Mr. Carlo Chibuzor Osunkwo, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu.
In the petition dated 14 July 2025, the family stated that 22-year-old Carlo, the youngest of a set of triplets, was apprehended on 7 June and has since remained incommunicado in the custody of the RRS Awkuzu.
The petition, made available by his mother, Dr. Patience Osunkwo—a retired Director from the Public Works Department of the National Directorate of Employment under the Federal Ministry of Labour—alleges persistent harassment, unlawful arrest, extortion attempts, and abuse of security structures by both state and local authorities.
Dr. Osunkwo decried the treatment of her son, describing it as not only inhumane but also a blatant violation of his fundamental rights. She expressed deep concern over the criminalisation of a young man who was preparing to travel abroad for academic and football opportunities.
The family is calling for the immediate release of Carlo if he is still being held in unlawful custody.
Meanwhile, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre has confirmed receipt of a similar complaint from Dr. Osunkwo and is monitoring the case. The centre reiterated its concern over reports of arbitrary detention and called on the Anambra State Police Command to uphold due process and human rights.
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