Maduako Igbokwe I Thursday, April 03, 2025
ABUJA, Nigeria – A petition has been submitted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) DIG Hashimu Argungu by the mother of three Mrs. Joy-Smart Chinenye, who was allegedly subjected to abuse and unlawful detention by police officers.
Mrs. Chinenye’s arrest, in connection with a financial dispute involving her husband, Obinna George Smart Unegbu, has raised serious concerns regarding police misconduct and extortion.
The petition, filed by her lawyer, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, called for a thorough investigation into the unprofessional conduct of the officers involved. According to the petition, Mrs. Chinenye is described as a hardworking, responsible mother and wife who has dedicated herself to supporting her family.
The petition said that the arrest and detention of Mrs. Chinenye constitute serious violations of her rights, and urges both the IGP and the PSC Chairman to launch an extensive inquiry into the actions of the officers involved.
The petition further demands disciplinary action against the officers for their gross abuse of power, as well as the return of the N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) allegedly extorted from Mrs. Chinenye.
This, the petition argues, is essential for restoring public confidence in the Nigerian Police Force and ensuring that officers adhere to ethical standards.
Full Statement of the Petition
“We are the solicitors for Mrs. Joy-Smart Chinenye (hereinafter referred to as ‘Our Client’) and are writing under her explicit instruction and mandate to petition for a thorough investigation into the unprofessional conduct of the officers mentioned. Despite occasional domestic disagreements, our client never imagined that her husband would resort to using police officers to subject her to inhumane treatment, abuse, bullying, and torture for no justifiable reason.
Our client has been married to Mr. Obinna George Smart Unegbu for over a decade, and they have three children. Although the couple faced initial struggles, they worked diligently to build one of the most successful private schools in the South-East. Their union has been one of perseverance and achievement.
However, this peaceful family life was disrupted on March 27, 2025, when a dispute arose regarding the delayed remittance of business funds by her husband. Mrs. Chinenye had set a deadline for the payment, which was agreed upon by her husband. On this day, a group of officers, including CSP [name], 2/C [name], and ASP [name], stormed their home in Lagos, demanding to speak with Mrs. Chinenye in the presence of her husband and children.
Upon learning of the officers’ presence, Mrs. Chinenye immediately descended to meet them. To her shock, the officers claimed to be from Area H Command Headquarters, Ikeja, acting on a petition filed by her husband. They refused to disclose the contents of the petition, but insisted on taking her into custody. Her husband, without any regard for her dignity, instructed the officers to handcuff her immediately.
The officers allowed Mrs. Chinenye to change into casual clothing, but upon her insistence, a female officer accompanied her to her room.
Once she complied, the officers seized her phone and escorted her to Area H Command Headquarters in Ikeja, where they presented her with a petition from her husband regarding a financial transaction. Mrs. Chinenye explained that her husband also owed her money, but despite her detailed explanation, the officers subjected her to physical abuse, including slapping and torture, in an attempt to force her to settle the alleged debt.
Her husband stood by, observing the abuse, and even signaled his approval of the officers’ actions.
Desperate to return to her children, Mrs. Chinenye agreed to pay N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) of the alleged debt. The officers provided a bank account number, and Mrs. Chinenye made the payment. A copy of the transaction receipt is attached for reference.
Despite this, the officers demanded that she pay the remaining N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira), threatening further detention if she did not comply. When she refused, the officers revealed that they were from the IGP Monitoring Unit, Abuja, and planned to transfer her to Abuja.
Mrs. Chinenye was detained overnight at the FCID Unit, Panti, Lagos, before being handcuffed and forcibly flown to Abuja. Upon arrival in Abuja, she was subjected to further abuse, threats, and bullying by the officers, who insisted that she pay the remaining debt. When she refused, she was transferred to the Abattoir-SARS detention facility, a notorious location known for housing criminals. Here, Mrs. Chinenye was forced to share a cell with dangerous criminals, who assaulted her. By divine intervention, she narrowly escaped further harm.
During her detention, Mrs. Chinenye was repeatedly taken to unknown locations and coerced into making additional payments. On one occasion, she was allowed to call her cousin in a desperate attempt to raise more funds to settle the debt. This relentless torment continued until her release was secured on March 30, 2025, with the assistance of the Police High Command. However, the physical and emotional toll remains.
Findings
The actions of the officers involved are clear violations of both ethical standards and the law. It is evident that they were enlisted by Mrs. Chinenye’s husband to engage in debt recovery, which is strictly prohibited by the Police. Our client was subjected to torture and mistreatment despite the fact that the matter at hand was a civil issue between a husband and wife.
The officers extorted N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) from our client, transferring the money into a suspicious account, not belonging to her husband. The coercion continued, with the officers demanding the balance of the debt. This situation has not only damaged a young family but also exposed private matters that could have been avoided had the officers adhered to their duties with professionalism.
Prayers
In light of these serious violations, we respectfully request that the Chairman,Launch a comprehensive investigation into the unethical conduct of the officers involved,take appropriate disciplinary action against the officers for their abuse of power,recover and return the N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) extorted from our client and restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force by ensuring officers adhere to ethical standards.
We trust that your intervention will bring justice and uphold the integrity of the Force. We remain, Sir, with the highest regards.”
