Outrage in Imo as Detained Businessman Dies After Alleged Police Torture

Outrage in Imo as Detained Businessman Dies After Alleged Police Torture Dec 5, 2025 — by Starnews NG in News The family of Levi Opara, a 46-year-old businessman from Emekuku in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, is demanding justice after he allegedly died from torture and a stab wound while in the custody of the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, known as Tiger Base. Opara, a father of five, was arrested following what relatives described as a domestic disagreement between him and his wife, but reportedly died less than a week after being detained. According to the family, officers identified simply as Moses and Blessing repeatedly tortured Opara and ignored pleas from his children for his release. One of his twin daughters recounted how Officer Moses allegedly boasted that their father would not be freed “no matter the money or connection” the family had. The family said they were denied access to Opara throughout his detention, with officers giving conflicting explanations that he was “sleeping” or unavailable for visitation. They were later informed that he fell ill around 6 a.m. and died on the way to the police clinic. The family, however, rejected the police account. They resisted attempts by officers to conduct an autopsy without their consent, insisting on using an independent pathologist. A joint autopsy reportedly revealed that Opara was stabbed in the neck—contradicting the police’s claim that he died of an illness. In another twist, the family said they were shocked to find Opara’s body already embalmed at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, without their authorization. “It was clear they were hiding something,” his daughter said. Relatives emphasized that the matter between the couple was purely domestic, questioning why he was detained at Tiger Base—an outfit long accused of harsh interrogations, extrajudicial killings, and extortion. See also  Police Warn Public Against Viral Fake Document on VIP Withdra