A Southeast-based civic platform, Oganihu, has called on security agencies to dismantle checkpoints used for extortion across the Southeast, audit prolonged detentions linked to regional security operations, and implement the recommendations of the Anambra Truth, Justice and Peace Commission, including the reopening of investigations into the 2002 murder of former Onitsha NBA Chairman, Barrister Barnabas Igwe, and his wife, Abigail.
The group made the demands in a public statement issued after its August meeting, expressing concern over what it described as worsening insecurity, accountability deficits and violations of citizens’ rights in the region.
The statement was jointly signed by Oganihu’s Co-chair, Professor Chijioke Uwasomba; Secretary, Uzodimma Nwogbe; and Advocacy Coordinator, Okechukwu Nwanguma.
Oganihu alleged that motorists, traders, farmers and transport operators had repeatedly complained about extortion at multiple security checkpoints, arguing that such practices had increased transportation costs and worsened economic hardship.
While acknowledging the legitimate role of security agencies in tackling kidnapping and violent crimes, the organisation insisted that security operations should not become avenues for harassment or illegal revenue collection.
It urged the Inspector-General of Police, military authorities and other security chiefs to conduct an immediate audit of all checkpoints across the five Southeast states to determine their operational necessity, authorisation and personnel.
According to the group, checkpoints serving no genuine security purpose should be dismantled, while officers found extorting road users should face disciplinary and criminal sanctions.
Oganihu also called on the governors of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states to strengthen oversight of security operations, insisting that any logistical or financial support provided by state governments to federal security agencies should be tied to measurable standards of professionalism and respect for human rights.
The organisation said it would formally engage the Southeast governors, Houses of Assembly, the National Assembly, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other oversight institutions on the issue.
On the prolonged detention of Southeast residents, Oganihu expressed concern over reports that some persons arrested during security operations linked to separatist agitation had remained in detention for years, including at the military facility in Wawa Barracks, Niger State.
“Oganihu demands a transparent accounting of all detainees held in military and other security facilities over Southeast-related operations, including their identities, dates of arrest, legal status and pending charges.
“We call on authorities to ensure that detainees have access to legal representation and that those against whom there is sufficient evidence are promptly arraigned in court, while those without evidence should be released,” the group said.
Turning to Anambra State, Oganihu urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to publicly account for the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Truth, Justice and Peace Commission’s final report, submitted in March 2024.
The group said the commission had recommended measures to document missing persons, improve coordination among vigilante services, and address broader issues of violence and insecurity, adding that residents deserved clarity on what had been implemented and what remained outstanding.
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Oganihu also renewed calls for the reopening of investigations into the 2002 assassination of Barrister Barnabas Igwe and his wife, Abigail.
The organisation referenced recent public controversy surrounding the appointment of the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, Ken Emeakayi, while noting that the Anambra State Government has rejected allegations linking him to the killings.
“Oganihu is not pronouncing anyone guilty, but the unresolved allegations surrounding the murder of a serving NBA branch chairman and his wife should not be abandoned because of the passage of time or public office.
“Oganihu urges relevant law enforcement agencies to revisit the case and ensure that any credible evidence against any individual, regardless of political affiliation or current position, is subjected to due judicial process,” the statement said.
