“He Was a Devil in Uniform” — Human Rights Lawyer Effiong Slams Late CSP Ekene Nwosu as Nigerians Recount Alleged Atrocities

Prominent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has reacted strongly to the death of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ekene Nwosu, describing the former head of the Anti-Robbery Squad in Akwa Ibom as a “murderous and callous policeman” whose legacy is steeped in human rights violations and brutal abuse of power.

In a scathing statement posted on social media, Effiong accused the late officer of presiding over a reign of terror during his time in Akwa Ibom, where he allegedly dehumanized numerous innocent citizens with impunity. The lawyer, known for his fearless activism, labeled Nwosu a “devil” and a “rogue police officer,” asserting that the outpouring of joy following his death was understandable given the reported suffering he inflicted.

“Ekene is a perfect example of a rogue police officer,” Effiong wrote. “He subjected innocent people in Akwa Ibom to the most barbaric forms of dehumanization. He had no respect for lawyers, no respect for human rights, and held the judiciary in contempt.”

Effiong claimed his law firm personally handled multiple cases in which the courts found Nwosu culpable for rights violations. Despite these rulings, the officer allegedly continued to operate unchecked, bolstered by his close ties to powerful politicians in the state.

“Successive Commissioners of Police failed to checkmate him, partly because he was a mercenary for oppressive and corrupt politicians in Akwa Ibom State,” Effiong alleged.

According to Effiong, it was the immediate past Commissioner of Police who finally transferred Nwosu out of Akwa Ibom to Ekiti State — a move that reportedly marked the end of his unchecked power. Ironically, the lawyer claimed Nwosu celebrated that Commissioner’s death, only to die himself shortly after.

The statement has ignited a fresh round of public reflection on police brutality and accountability in Nigeria. While some have expressed discomfort over the celebratory tone surrounding Nwosu’s death, many others have used the opportunity to share harrowing personal experiences allegedly linked to the late officer’s brutal methods.

Effiong concluded his statement with a warning to other officers who abuse their positions:

“It is true that every mortal will taste death, but we should always reflect on what we will be remembered for. For Ekene, those who remember him for his many evil deeds are within their right.”

CSP Ekene Nwosu’s career, marked by controversial tactics and repeated allegations of rights violations, has become a symbol of the deep-rooted challenges facing police reform in Nigeria.

His death has once again spotlighted the urgent need for accountability and a total overhaul of rogue elements within the nation’s security forces.