Igboayaka Vs Nwifuru: Hope Beams For OYC President, As Court Issues Order
By Charity Uwakwe
A Federal High Court 2 sitting in Abakiliki, the capital of Ebonyi State hasesist from reasrresting, has given a stern order to the government of Ebonyi State, under the leadership of Governor Francis Nwifuru and the Commissioner of Police, CP Anthony Uche-Anya to desist from inflicting any form of torture to the President of Ohaneze Youth Council (OYC), Comrd. Igboayaka O. Igboayaka.
Following the extant case between the National President of Ohaneze Youth Council (OYC), Comrd. Igboayaka O. Igboayaka and Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru alongside the Commissioner of Police, CP
Anthony Uche-Anya, a Federal High Court 2 sitting in Abakiliki, the capital of Ebonyi State has ordered the latter to refrain from infringing on the right of the youth leader.
This is even as the Ohaneze Youth Council had raised concerns over Igboayaka’s deteriorating health, alleging that he was tortured by members of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Nigeria Police, Ebonyi state command, upon his abduction. The council went further for Igboayaka’s immediate release, citing fears for his safety and well-being.
Similarly, the President of Igbo National Council, (INC), Comrd. Chilos Godsent had raised alarm, following the dehumanising treatment meted out to Igboayaka by the security operative on the leave of the Governor of the state.
It could be recalled that Igboayaka was illegally abducted by the men of the Nigeria Police, Ebonyi State Command, who, according to reports, acted allegedly on the bidding of the state governor, Nwifuru.
However, the government, in connivance with the police had denied having custody of the missing OYC President,
up until the news of his illegal abduction perpetrated by some police officers who were said to be masked during the operation, began to spread like wildfire.
Also, it could be recalled that in what seemed like a shocking twist of fate,
the Magistrate court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, on February, 26, had denied bail to Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, National President of the Ohaneze Youth Council.
According to eyewitnesses, the presiding magistrate, S.N. Ifeanyi Oyibe, initially admitted that she lacked jurisdiction to entertain Igboayaka’s case. However, she later confirmed that she had the power to grant him bail, as applied by Igboayaka’s legal counsel. Unfortunately, the bail was denied, and the case was adjourned until March 12, 2025.
The magistrate who expressed concern that no representative from the prosecution team was present in court, was thus prompted to grant an additional opportunity for the prosecution to defend their case. Meanwhile, Igboayaka, who is struggling with ill-health, was remanded in Ebonyi state prison for another 14 days.
Igboayaka’s legal team has described the prosecution’s actions as deliberate attempts to victimize their client and infringe upon his fundamental human rights. The team argues that the prosecution’s failure to appear in court is a clear indication of their lack of commitment to upholding justice.
Meanwhile, in another twist of fate, a statement signed by the National President of Igbo National Council (INC), Comrd. Chilos Godsent and made available to Famousreporters.com today, Friday, March 7, captioned: ‘UPDATE ON TODAY’S COURT SITTING AT THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT 2 ABAKALIKI’, brings about a glimpse of hope for the embattled youth leader.
The statement read in detail:
“The Case of Comrade Igboayaka vs Governor of Ebonyi State, Commissioner of Police, Attorney General, AK Unit Commander was heard at the Federal High Court 2 Abakaliki, after a brilliant submission by our Legal Team, the Judge Ruled as follows:
- Restraining the Police from rearresting of Igboayaka
- Restraining order on the Police or any other law enforcement agencies from torturing Comrade Igboayaka
- The Court ordered the Correctional Centre Abakaliki to produce Comrade Igboayaka on Wednesday 12th March, 2025 before the court.
Expressing optimism in his envisaged freedom for Igboayaka, “Chilos added:
“We are now much sure that Comrade Igboayaka will be granted bail or discharge and acquitted on Wednesday 12th March, 2025.
“We thank everyone of you that has shown support and solidarity in the course of this struggle to enforce the Rights to Freedom of Expression as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thanks
“Chilos Godsent”.
