… Death Of 98-Year-Old In Custody
A human rights organisation has formally petitioned Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti, urging his intervention in the prolonged pre-trial detention of twelve indigenes of Okagwe Ohafia who have remained in custody since 2021 over a case rooted in a land dispute and communal crisis.
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), in a petition dated 12 May 2026, addressed to the state’s Attorney-General, signed by the organisation’s Executive Director, Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, called on the government to take urgent steps to accelerate the trial in Charge No. HU/73C/2021 Inspector General of Police v. James Ukwu & 11 Others, currently before the Abia State High Court.
According to Nwanguma, the crisis traces back to a dispute over land acquired for the proposed Hope Waddell University (HWU) in Okagwe Community, Ohafia Local Government Area.
While the community agreed to provide the National Universities Commission’s minimum requirement of 100 hectares, community development union executives allegedly acquired 165 hectares in total, a discrepancy that sparked lasting grievance, compounded by the absence of visible progress on the university project.
The tension later merged with a succession dispute following the death of the community’s former traditional ruler.
When HRM Ezeogo Achi Ukoji (Dibia Ette XV) was installed on 21 June 2020 by the recognised ruling family under the community’s gerontocratic tradition, a rival claimant contested the installation.
The resulting clash between supporters of the two factions led to injuries sustained by one Mr Eze Kalu Achi, who later died.
In the aftermath, several persons perceived to be members of one faction were arrested by police.
Nwanguma states that despite some defendants obtaining bail orders at various points, they were reportedly transferred between police formations, re-arrested, and eventually arraigned before the High Court, where they have remained for over four years without the conclusion of their trial.
The organisation noted that no fewer than three judges have recused themselves from the matter, each recusal triggering fresh delays.
Among the most troubling allegations in the petition is the death in custody of Chief Agbai Ukonu, described as approximately 98 years old at the time of his detention.
Nwanguma states that the deceased was only transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, after the correctional facility clinic could no longer manage his deteriorating condition and that he reportedly remained restrained during his final illness before dying.
“Reports that he remained restrained during his final illness raise serious humanitarian and human rights concerns,” the group stated.
RULAAC argues that the continued detention without trial violates Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the rights to personal liberty and fair hearing within a reasonable time, as well as Nigeria’s obligations under regional and international human rights instruments.
The group is calling on the Abia State Government to review the circumstances of the detention; explore lawful bail or non-custodial options, particularly for elderly and ailing defendants; facilitate accelerated hearing of the case; and pursue alternative dispute resolution to address the underlying communal tensions in Okagwe.
“This appeal is made in the interest of justice, peace, protection of human life, and public confidence in the fairness of the justice system,” stated Nwanguma.
