A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chukwuemeka Ofodile, has formally petitioned the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, as well as the Minister of Police Affairs, calling for a thorough investigation into alleged harassment, intimidation, and violation of the rights of his clients, who are prominent individuals from Agunese Mmaku Autonomous Community in Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State.
In his petition, dated September 19, 2024, Ofodile requested an official probe into the involvement of His Royal Highness Igwe Cyprian Maduabuchi Nevobasi, the traditional ruler of Agunese, as well as local security officers.
The lawyer accused them of playing questionable roles in the arrests and persecution of his clients: Vincent Okafor Esq., Theophilus Chukwu, David Okeke, Chief Okeke Emmanuel Uwa, Chief Ochie Moses Cuka, Chief Okolie James Ikegwuonu, and Chief Simeon Ogbonna Okike.
Ofodile also called for an investigation into the conduct of two officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, CID of the Enugu State Police Command, identified as Blessing Oguche and Nnamdi, to determine whether due process was followed in the handling of his client’s cases. His clients remain incarcerated at the Enugu Correctional Centre on what he described as “bailable and baseless charges.”
The petition, which was made available to reporters in Abuja, detailed a long-standing conflict within the Agunese Mmaku community, allegedly exacerbated by Igwe Nevobasi’s leadership.
Ofodile claimed that the monarch, who resides mostly in South Africa and rarely visits the community, has used manipulative tactics to incite internal conflict and stifle progress in the town. He accused the traditional ruler of fabricating accusations and using armed thuggery and government authorities to maintain control.
Ofodile pointed out that Igwe Nevobasi had previously accused several community members, including his clients, of supporting the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), but was later forced to retract the claims when they were proven false.
He said, since then, the monarch allegedly continues to fabricate charges, including accusations of inciting violence and relies on corrupt police officers to arrest and intimidate his critics.
The petition also alleged that the monarch had thwarted the December 2021 town union elections, leading to growing unrest in the community.
Ofodile noted that his clients were being targeted for advocating for the independence of the town union and opposing the sale of community land.
Ofodile cited the case of Mr Theophilus Chukwu, who was arrested, released, and then re-arrested within a short period in August 2024, allegedly for opposing the monarch’s actions.
Chukwu, along with other prominent community members, had mobilized resources to undertake self-help projects, such as renovating schools and maintaining roads, efforts which the monarch reportedly did not support.
The petition also detailed the plight of Vincent Okafor, a legal practitioner who was arrested after filing a fundamental rights lawsuit on behalf of Chukwu.
Despite being in Lagos at the time of the alleged offence, Okafor was detained on September 6, 2024. Similarly, David Okeke was reportedly detained without proper arraignment or remand order.
“The officers of the Nigeria Police Force arrested Barrister Vincent Okafor on September 6, 2024. When the charge was shown to Vincent Okafor, he expressed complete surprise, saying he was not even in the village.
“On the day in question, August 13, 2024, he was in faraway Lagos, making an appearance for a client in charge No. M/44/2024-C.O.P vs. Odinaka Orji.
“Mr David Okeke was brought to the Enugu State Correctional Centre without arraignment or remand order.
The day they took him to court, the business of the court was over. They took him to State C.I.D Enugu detention. The State C.I.D rejected him and they took him to Enugu Correctional Centre.” The statement reads in part.
Ofodile urged the Attorney General and the Minister of Police Affairs to investigate the cases, ensure the immediate release of his clients, and hold those responsible for their unlawful treatment accountable.
Alleged Human Rights Violations: Senior Advocate drags monarch to AGF, Police Affairs Minister
