The Human Rights Aids and Social Justice Initiative Incorporated, in collaboration with Ebonyi Internal Security, has raised alarm over what it described as a clear abuse of the police and judiciary by the Chairman of Amaeze Development Union, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Mr. Ogbonna Nweni.
The group alleged that Mr. Nweni diverted ₦105 million meant for the construction of a one-kilometre concrete road in Amaeze Ishiagu and subsequently connived with police officers at Zone 9 Umuahia to frame two women who exposed the matter.
The women, Mrs. Ude Blessing Nnenna, Chairman of the Adaameze Udokamma Progressive Union Incorporated, and Mrs. Laurita Iruka Ajah, Provost of the Union, had petitioned the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State on April 21, 2025. In the petition, they accused the community chairman of collecting ₦60 million and ₦45 million from China Oriental Quarry Company for the road project but failing to deliver.
According to the rights group, Mr. Nweni admitted to receiving the money during police interrogation and even presented a deed of agreement and cheque instruments confirming the transaction. Interim investigation reports also pointed to his culpability.
However, the group alleged that instead of pursuing the case, some officers at Zone 9 accepted a ₦3 million bribe from the chairman and filed frivolous charges against the petitioners at the Isiaka Magistrate Court under the pretext of investigating their complaints.
“This is a dangerous misuse of the police and judiciary against innocent citizens who only demanded accountability,” said Mr. Ibeabuchi Levi Ajah, Chairman of the Human Rights Aids and Social Justice Initiative.
The women were arraigned but later granted bail by His Worship, Magistrate Uche Samuel, who dismissed the charges for lack of merit. The rights group commended the magistrate, noting that he refused to allow the judiciary to be manipulated into legitimising what they called “systematic harassment.”
The group insisted that the actions of the police violated Sections 35, 36, 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as international treaties such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Calling on the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities to intervene, the organisation urged that officers involved in the alleged conspiracy be sanctioned and that Mr. Nweni be compelled to account for the community road funds.
“Suppressing citizens who demand accountability is not only unlawful but also dangerous to Nigeria’s democracy,” the group warned.
