The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised alarm over what it describes as the “arbitrary arrest, unlawful detention, and persecution” of the Chikadibia family of Alaukwu Village, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, Abia State.
In a petition signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the organisation accused operatives of the Abia State Police Command of gross abuse of power and violation of constitutional rights.
According to RULAAC, on April 12, 2025, armed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed the family compound of 63-year-old Mr. Chikadibia Sunday, allegedly breaking doors, looting property, and abducting him along with his three daughters — Glory, Ngozi, and Ogechi. The organisation said no warrant was shown, no allegations were disclosed, and due process was ignored.
“For weeks, the police denied holding them, refused access to family and legal counsel, and later secretly arraigned them on terrorism charges without evidence or legal representation of their choice. They remain remanded at Aba Correctional Centre without further court appearances,” the statement read.
The petition further alleged that police operatives later returned to demolish the family house, a development that plunged the mother, Mrs. Chioma Chikadibia, into depression. She reportedly died on August 8, 2025.
RULAAC warned that the consequences of this abuse were devastating. Mr. Chikadibia’s health was said to have deteriorated in detention, while his youngest daughter, Ogechi — a final-year student of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu — now risks losing an academic year as she has been unable to continue her studies or sit for examinations.
The organisation condemned the police actions as “a grave miscarriage of justice,” stressing that it was unconscionable for citizens in a democracy to be abducted, hidden, denied due process, and persecuted in such a manner.
RULAAC called on Governor Alex Otti, as Chief Security Officer of the state, to urgently intervene by: Ordering an immediate review of the case and securing the release of Mr. Chikadibia and his daughters from unlawful detention, Ensuring Ogechi continues her education and sits for her forthcoming examinations at IMT, Instituting an independent investigation into the raid, unlawful arrests, secret arraignment, and demolition of the family house, Holding accountable all officers involved in the abuse and Providing remedies and compensation to the surviving members of the family for their losses and trauma.
“This case has already claimed one life. It must not claim more. Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done — for the Chikadibia family, for Abia State, and the rule of law,” Nwanguma said.
