RULAAC seeks Otti’s intervention over detained Ohafia indigenes

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, has called on the Abia State Government to urgently intervene in the prolonged detention and delayed trial of 12 indigenes of Okagwe Ohafia who have remained in custody since 2021.

In an open letter to Governor Alex Otti, signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, the rights group described the continued detention of the defendants in Charge No. HU/73C/2021: Inspector General of Police Vs. James Ukwu & 11 Others as a serious humanitarian and constitutional concern.

RULAAC said the defendants were arrested following disputes linked to land acquired for the proposed Hope Waddell University project and the subsequent traditional leadership crisis in Okagwe Community, Ohafia Local Government Area.

The organisation expressed concern that despite reported bail granted to some of the defendants, they were allegedly rearrested and transferred between police formations before eventually being arraigned in court.

According to the group, the matter has since suffered repeated adjournments and delays.

Nwanguma argued that the prolonged detention of the defendants amounted to a violation of their constitutional rights to personal liberty, fair hearing and trial within a reasonable time.

The rights group also lamented reports that three judges had recused themselves from handling the matter, further slowing down proceedings.

It further raised concerns over the deteriorating health of some of the detainees, including late Chief Agbai Ukonu, who was said to have died in custody at about 98 years of age.

RULAAC therefore urged the state government to review the circumstances surrounding the case, facilitate speedy hearing of the matter, consider lawful bail options for vulnerable defendants and promote peace-building initiatives in the troubled community.

“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done in a humane and constitutional manner,” Nwanguma stated.

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