Human Rights Group Slams Anambra Government Over Widespread Arbitrary Arrests

The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), a prominent human rights advocacy organization, has publicly criticized the Anambra State Government for what it describes as widespread and indiscriminate arrests of residents across the state.

The group strongly urged the administration of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to uphold the fundamental human rights of citizens and adhere strictly to constitutional provisions in matters relating to arrests and detention.

Intersociety emphasized that any individual apprehended for criminal activity — whether felonies, misdemeanors, or lesser offenses — must be charged to court promptly or granted administrative bail within the legally stipulated time frame under Nigerian law.

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Formal Petition and Concerned Leadership

This position was clearly stated in an official statement issued to journalists on Thursday. The release was endorsed by key officials from Intersociety, including Emeka Umeagbalasi, Lead Researcher and Head of the organization; Chinwe Umeche, Human Rights Lawyer and Head of Democracy and Good Governance; Chief Anayo Leonard Okoli, Board Member; Comrade Chibueze Nwajiaku, Deputy Head of Policing and Law Enforcement; and Comrade Samuel Kamanyaoku, Head of Field Data Collection and Documentation.

The organization implored the Anambra State Government to desist from making arbitrary arrests based on hearsay, false accusations, or unsubstantiated petitions, which have reportedly led to the detention of thousands of innocent residents across the state.

They warned against the use of unfounded labels that result in citizens being detained without fair investigation or trial. The group stressed that all arrest-related procedures should align with the principles of fairness, investigation, and due process, and not be driven by rumors or political motives.

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Accusations Against Anambra Security Agents

Intersociety claimed it had received substantial reports suggesting that agents acting under the directive of the Soludo-led administration have persistently violated the constitutional rights of residents. These complaints, brought forward by both victims and their families, point to arbitrary detentions, sometimes lasting between three to five months or even longer, without any formal charges or access to bail.

The state security team, locally known as Agunaechemba/Udo Gachi, was particularly highlighted as one of the leading culprits. According to the report, many residents were arrested under vague or fabricated allegations such as ritualism, kidnapping, armed robbery, or internet fraud. Others were accused of being herbalists offering spiritual protection to criminals — all without credible investigations or evidence.

The organization also noted the unjust treatment of traditional religious figures, including chief priests of ancient deities and market shrine custodians, who were allegedly framed, arrested, or even threatened under similar circumstances.

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Reference to Udo Orie Market Deity Incident

In its advocacy report, Intersociety cited the Udo Orie Market Deity and its chief priest as a prime example of cultural stigmatization. It argued that a lack of knowledge and respect for traditional practices has led to misguided generalizations, falsely equating indigenous spiritual institutions with criminal activity.

These concerns were outlined in a 12-page petition submitted to the Anambra State Executive Council via Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Secretary to the State Government.

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Concerns About Homeland Security Law Implementation

Intersociety further criticized the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, describing it as being enforced without credible research or proper investigative frameworks. The group maintained that nearly 99% of indigenous deities and cultural institutions in Igbo land are nonviolent and pose no threat to their host communities.

They clarified that any misuse of spiritual practices for harmful purposes was more likely linked to private, rogue shrines, fake seers, or fraudulent spiritualists, and not traditional custodians of cultural heritage.

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Call for Justice in the Case of Chief Udoka Ejimu

A major highlight of the statement was the case of Chief Udoka Ejimu, also known as AG Udoka. Intersociety revealed that the businessman — a well-known Onitsha-based multimillionaire and CEO of Udoka Golden Point and Suites Hotel in Oba, Idemmili South — has been in police detention for over 150 days without trial.

The group contends that under the law, continued detention beyond two months without bail or court proceedings is unconstitutional and mandates unconditional release and full acquittal.

The organization also condemned the demolition of Chief Ejimu’s hotel, which occurred around January 27, 2025, claiming that the decision was based on flawed investigations. The state government had initially accused the hotel of being a site for ritual killings, claiming that over 30 human graves were discovered on the property.

However, Intersociety’s investigation revealed that the alleged graves were actually concrete partitions intended for a fishpond and barbecue area by the previous property owner.

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Legislative Recommendations for Safeguarding Cultural Rights

Intersociety concluded its statement with a call for immediate legislative action. The group urged the Anambra State Executive Council to forward two essential Executive Bills to the House of Assembly:

1. Anambra State Antiquities and Communal Institutions Protection and Preservation Law 2025
2. Anambra State Freedom of Religion, Worship, or Belief and Igbo Ethnic Identity Protection Law 2025

According to the organization, these bills are critical to protecting traditional practices and ensuring that communal spiritual institutions are not misrepresented or criminalized by modern security laws.