A human rights organization, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), has called on Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to urgently intervene in what it describes as the unlawful arrest, detention, and persecution of the Chikadibia family in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area.
In a petition dated April 12, 2025, and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC detailed a violent police operation allegedly carried out by the Abia State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit at the home of 63-year-old Mr. Chikadibia Sunday in Alaukwu Village.
According to the petition, the officers stormed the residence without a warrant, broke into the property, looted valuables, and forcibly took Mr. Chikadibia and his three daughters — Glory, Ngozi, and Ogechi — without stating any allegations.
RULAAC alleges that for weeks, the police denied holding the family, denied them access to legal representation and family members, and later arraigned them secretly on terrorism-related charges without credible evidence or legal counsel of their choice. The family remains in custody at the Aba Correctional Centre.
The petition further reports that following the traumatic events, Mrs. Chioma Chikadibia — wife and mother — fell into depression and passed away on August 8, 2025. The group says the family has also lost their home, which was allegedly demolished by security operatives, as well as their businesses and means of livelihood.
RULAAC highlighted the particularly dire situation of Ogechi, the youngest daughter and a final-year student at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, who has been unable to return to school or sit for her final examinations.
“This is a clear case of abuse of police power, violation of fundamental human rights, and a miscarriage of justice,” RULAAC said in its appeal to the governor. “It has already claimed one life. It must not be allowed to claim more.”
The organization is calling on Governor Otti, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to:
- Order a full and immediate review of the case;
- Secure the release of Mr. Chikadibia and his daughters from unlawful detention;
- Facilitate Ogechi’s return to school and enable her to take her examinations;
- Initiate an independent investigation into the raid, arrests, secret arraignment, and alleged demolition of the family home;
- Hold accountable all officers involved in the incident;
- Provide compensation and rehabilitation to the surviving family members.
RULAAC concluded by stressing the need for justice not just for the Chikadibia family, but for the integrity of the rule of law in Abia State.
Post a Comment