Ohafia Community Leader Appeals to Governor Otti Over Alleged Abduction and Torture

Umuahia, Abia State – A prominent community leader from Ohafia Local Government Area, Hon. Uduma Uguru, has formally appealed to Governor Alex Otti to intervene in what he described as a prolonged delay in the investigation of his alleged abduction, torture, and unlawful detention.

In a letter dated 24 February 2026, addressed to the Governor at Government House, Umuahia, Uguru detailed his ordeal, which he claims was orchestrated by Councillor Eke Daniel Urum and a group of youths from Amaekpu Ohafia, allegedly with the backing of Deputy Governor Ikechi Emetu.

Uguru explained that the correspondence follows an earlier petition he submitted on 17 November 2025, for which he thanked the governor for initiating preliminary intervention. The earlier action reportedly led to an invitation by the Abia State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS), where he was interviewed about the allegations.

According to Uguru, DSS operatives also obtained statements from his traditional ruler and other individuals mentioned in his complaint. He claimed that security officers accompanied him from Umuahia to Amaekpu Ohafia, where he identified a location he described as a “torture chamber” in which he was allegedly held and subjected to inhumane treatment.

His legal team subsequently filed a formal petition before the Assistant Inspector General of Police at Zone 9 Command Headquarters in Umuahia, detailing the alleged actions of the councillor and his associates. However, Uguru expressed concern that neither the DSS nor the Nigeria Police Force has communicated the outcome of any investigation or initiated prosecution against any suspect.

He warned that the absence of an official report or legal action has created a perception that some individuals might be shielded from justice, a situation he said could undermine public confidence in law enforcement institutions within the state.

Uguru urged the governor to revisit the matter, describing the alleged offences as involving kidnapping, unlawful detention, ransom collection, and torture. He also raised concerns over a video recording purportedly showing his torture, which he claimed has circulated widely on social media since November 2025, causing emotional distress to him and his family.

Reaffirming his confidence in the state government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, Uguru appealed for swift action to ensure justice and restore public trust.

As of the filing of this report, neither the Abia State Government, the DSS, nor the Nigeria Police Force has issued an official response to the allegations.