RULAAC demands release of probe report on alleged police abuse of Abia family

…Seeks justice, compensation for victims

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Abia State Government to immediately release the report of its investigation into the alleged human rights violations involving the Chikadibia family, warning that continued silence could erode public confidence in the government’s commitment to justice and accountability.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the rights group expressed concern that months after Governor Alex Otti ordered an investigation into the matter, neither the findings nor any remedial actions had been made public.

RULAAC recalled that it petitioned Governor Otti on March 6, 2026, seeking restorative justice, accountability and compensation for Mr. Sunday Chikadibia and his daughters—Glory, Ngozi and Ogechi—who allegedly suffered arbitrary arrest, detention, prosecution and the demolition of their family home during a police operation in Alaukwu, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, on April 12, 2025.

The organisation commended the governor for directing an investigation into the allegations and said it honoured an invitation to present evidence before the official assigned to handle the matter.

However, it said that despite a follow-up letter dated June 20, 2026, it had yet to receive any update on the outcome of the investigation or steps taken to address the family’s complaints.

According to RULAAC, there are concerns that administrative delays or vested interests may be hindering the release of the investigation report and the implementation of any recommendations arising from it.

The group alleged that police officers unlawfully arrested and detained members of the Chikadibia family, demolished their residence and removed large sums of money, household furniture, electrical appliances and other valuables without proper documentation or inventory.

It further claimed that the incident left the family homeless and deprived them of their means of livelihood.

RULAAC also linked the family’s ordeal to the death of Mrs. Chioma Chikadibia, who reportedly died on August 8, 2025, after her health allegedly deteriorated following the arrest of her husband and daughters and the destruction of their home.

Describing the allegations as serious, the organisation said that if established, they could amount to violations of constitutional rights, including arbitrary arrest and detention, unlawful destruction of property, unlawful seizure of private assets, abuse of office and denial of due process.

The group urged Governor Otti to make the investigation report public, ensure that any officials found culpable face appropriate disciplinary and legal action, and provide compensation for the family’s losses.

It also called on the government to provide housing support, educational assistance for Ogechi Chikadibia, as well as medical, psychosocial and humanitarian support for the surviving members of the family.

RULAAC said the case presents an opportunity for the Abia State Government to reinforce its commitment to accountability, transparency and the protection of human rights, urging the governor to ensure that no bureaucratic delay or vested interest obstructs justice for the affected family.

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