Police, Broadcaster Trade Words Over Allegations Against Imo Tiger Base
By Our Reporter
The Imo State Police Command has reacted to what it described as a series of frivolous and unsubstantiated allegations made by radio presenter and social media commentator, Chinonso Uba, popularly known as Nonso Nkwa, against the Command’s “Tiger Base Unit”.
In a statement issued by the Unit, the Police said its attention was drawn to Mr. Uba’s continuous “vilification and baseless accusations” alleging that the Tiger Base engages in activities outside its operational mandate.
Police also said that the Command is not out to reply to confuse broadcaster but to put the record strength for the interest of the listening public who may likely be deceived by the fake and frivolous Allegations as his stock in trade.
The Command noted that the latest outburst from the commentator was published on his social media platforms recently, where he purportedly spoke on behalf of the “Nchekwa Ndi Ugbenyi Foundation”, but failed to mention any specific suspect or provide evidence to support the claims. Instead, the Police said, the broadcaster resorted to “insults and unfounded assertions” aimed at discrediting the Tiger Base, a unit the Command says has played a vital role in combating insecurity, crime, and criminality in Imo State.
According to the statement, Mr. Uba should channel any grievances or complaints through the **Police Public Relations Unit**, which is the authorised interface between the Command and the public, rather than what it called “a campaign of misinformation on social media.”
The Command further questioned Mr. Uba’s basis for declaring that the Tiger Base had delved into civil matters, insisting that he neither approached the Unit for clarification nor conducted due investigation as required of responsible journalism.
“It is inappropriate to take matters to social media without first seeking clarification from relevant authorities,” the statement read. “The Police urge Mr. Uba to present any evidence at his disposal or forward complaints through the proper channels rather than resorting to actions capable of inciting the public.”
The Tiger Base, led by **ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa**, reaffirmed its commitment to fighting kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes, adding that it would not be distracted by attempts to discredit its operations.
The Command also expressed concern over what it described as repeated negative narratives propagated against the Police by the broadcaster, while noting that he rarely acknowledges the sacrifices of officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“The Police will not be deterred by falsehood or propaganda. We remain focused on safeguarding the lives and property of Imo residents,” the statement concluded.
