The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has appealed to Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti to direct the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to submit the findings of an investigation into the case of the Chikadibia family, which the governor referred to that office.
In a letter dated 6 November 2026 and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the group said neither it nor the victims have received any formal communication of the findings or the government’s decision, even though the Ministry of Justice has reportedly completed its departmental report.
The case centres on Mr. Sunday Chikadibia and his three daughters, Glory, Ngozi and Ogechi, who were arrested on 12 April 2025. The governor’s earlier intervention contributed to their release, and he later referred RULAAC’s appeal for restorative justice to the Attorney-General for investigation and recommendations.
According to the complaint, the family was arrested in place of another family member and held incommunicado for a prolonged period before being prosecuted. The family also alleges that their home in Alaukwu, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, was demolished, that property and money were removed, and that unauthorised withdrawals were made from their bank accounts. They further say they suffered displacement, loss of livelihood and disruption to Ogechi’s education. Mrs. Chioma Chikadibia died on 8 August 2025, which relatives attribute to severe distress caused by these events.
RULAAC petitioned the state on 6 March 2026 and sent a follow-up appeal on 20 June 2026. On 4 August 2026, the Ministry’s Citizens’ Rights Department met with the family and their lawyer, C. C. Nwachukwu, Esq. Counsel says he afterwards submitted the additional materials requested, including photographs of the demolition, bank statements and a list of the property allegedly removed.
When counsel visited the Ministry on 6 October 2026, the Director of Citizens’ Rights, Mrs. Chininyerem Patience Onyemenonu, reportedly told him the departmental report was complete and would be sent to the Attorney-General that day. RULAAC wrote to the Attorney-General on 21 October 2026 but says it has received no substantive response.
The group is asking the governor to direct the Attorney-General to submit the investigation report, findings and recommendations within 14 days, including the Citizens’ Rights Department report and an account of any action already taken. It also wants any outstanding investigative steps identified, with reasons for the delay and a firm timetable for completion, and asks that RULAAC and the family receive a written account of the findings and the government’s decision, with access to the report subject to protections for personal information and any ongoing proceedings. Finally, it urges the governor to approve measures for accountability, restitution, compensation and rehabilitation, including housing, educational and psychosocial support where warranted.
“The family’s release was an important intervention,” the group said, adding that the destruction of their home, the alleged loss of property and money, and other consequences of their ordeal remain unresolved.
RULAAC said the governor’s initial responsiveness had given the family hope, and urged him to ensure the investigation he directed yields a timely, transparent and meaningful outcome. The letter was copied to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
