"INC and Civil Society Groups Demand Dropping of Charges Against OYC President Igboayaka"

The Igbo National Council (INC), in collaboration with over 12 civil society organizations across the country, has called on the Ebonyi State government and the State Commissioner of Police to drop all charges against the President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka. The groups issued this demand in a statement on Tuesday, signed by INC President, Chilos Godsent.

Igboayaka was arrested on February 8 in Owerri, Imo State, shortly after securing a second term as President of the OYC. His arrest followed allegations that he accused the Ebonyi State government of ignoring a warning issued by the OYC about a potential attack on the Amegu Nkalaha community in the Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The attack, which occurred four days later, led to the deaths of at least 16 people.

According to INC President Godsent, Igboayaka was abducted in what he described as a "Neo-Mafia Gestapo-style operation" during his victory celebration in Owerri. He was later traced to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ebonyi State Police Command. Reports indicate that while in detention, Igboayaka suffered physical abuse and his health deteriorated, prompting an emergency medical intervention after civil society groups raised concerns.

On February 12, as his legal team awaited further details at the Ebonyi State Police Command, reports suggest that Igboayaka was transferred from a clinic, where he was receiving treatment, to the Magistrate Court in Abakaliki. He was subsequently arraigned on charges of felony and causing public fear in the Amegu Nkalaha community. Following his arraignment, he was remanded in the Abakaliki Correctional Centre.

With the case scheduled for hearing on Wednesday, the INC and allied civil society organizations are demanding that all charges against Igboayaka be dropped, arguing that his detention infringes on his rights and suppresses Igbo youth advocacy. The groups have urged Nigerian youths and activists to show solidarity with Comrade Igboayaka at the Magistrate Court in Abakaliki.

Additionally, the organizations are calling on the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Mbata, to intervene and help maintain unity among Igbo organizations.