Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization,

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has staged a protest demanding justice for the death of Chukwudi Abraham, a motor mechanic who died while in detention at the Octopus Strike Force of the Rivers State Police Command in Port Harcourt. The members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo gathered at the spare parts market in Ikoku, Mile Two area of Port Harcourt, where the deceased’s shop was located, and marched around the place after paying a condolence visit to his family.

During the protest, the participants expressed their suspicion about the circumstances of Chukwudi’s death and called on the Inspector General of Police to order a thorough investigation to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice. The Eze Ndi Igbo in Rivers and Bayelsa states, Sir Sam Nwokolo, stated that the deceased was arrested by a tactical police unit under questionable motives and illegally detained. He debunked the police’s claims that Chukwudi was a kidnapper, emphasizing that a close examination of the deceased’s body showed signs of torture.

Eze Nwokolo emphasized the need for justice to prevail and stated that they have consulted a pathologist to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of Chukwudi’s death. He also assured the Igbo community that they will not rest until justice is served and that the responsible individuals, regardless of their positions, will be held accountable. The deceased’s younger sibling, Chibueze Abraham, expressed his bitterness over the arrest and subsequent death of his brother. He highlighted the family’s struggle to gain access to him while he was in custody and their shock upon learning about his death through social media.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, had previously denied the allegations of torture and stated that the deceased was implicated in cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism. However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the family of the deceased have called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Chukwudi’s death.

The protest by Ohanaeze Ndigbo highlights the need for justice and transparency in the Nigerian police force. It also raises concerns about the treatment of suspects in custody and the need for proper investigations to ensure the truth is uncovered. The demand for justice in this case reflects the broader call for accountability and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.