The Igbo National Council (INC), in collaboration with over 12 civil society organisations 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 made the demand in a statement issued on Tuesday by INC President, Chilos Godsent.
Igboayaka was arrested on February 8 in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, shortly after securing a second-term victory as OYC President.
His arrest followed allegations that he had accused the Ebonyi State government of ignoring a warning issued by the OYC about a potential attack on Amegu Nkalaha community in the Ishielu Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, which occurred four days later, resulted in 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, he suffered physical abuse and deteriorating health, prompting an emergency medical intervention after civil society groups raised concerns.
On February 12, while his legal team awaited further details at the Ebonyi State Police Command, police operatives allegedly transferred Igboayaka from the clinic where he was receiving treatment to the Magistrate Court in Abakaliki.
He was then arraigned on charges of felony and causing public fear in the Amegu Nkalaha community.
Following his arraignment, he was remanded at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre.
As the case is set for hearing on Wednesday, the INC and allied civil society organisations are demanding that all charges against Igboayaka be dropped, emphasizing that his detention is an infringement on his rights and a suppression of Igbo youth advocacy.
The groups urged Nigerian youths and activists to rally in solidarity with Comrade Igboayaka at the Magistrate Court in Abakaliki.
The groups called on the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Mbata, to intervene to maintain unity among Igbo organisations.