Ohanaeze Inaugurates Committee to Probe Alleged Unlawful Detention of Igbos Worldwide

The Global Executive Council (GEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has inaugurated a Committee on Human Rights to investigate alleged rights abuses against Igbos within Nigeria and in the Diaspora.

The committee was inaugurated by the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, during a meeting held at the organisation’s National Secretariat in Enugu.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Enugu by the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Ezechi Chukwu.

According to Chukwu, the committee was constituted following what he described as “myriad of complaints and disturbing reports” suggesting that many Igbos, particularly youths, had become victims of extortion, intimidation, harassment and unlawful arrests in different parts of the country.

He further alleged that several Igbo youths were being held in prolonged detention across Nigeria.

“In line with its mandate, the committee is expected to: identify areas and cases of alleged human rights abuses, unlawful detention, and victimisation of Igbos in Nigeria and across the Diaspora.

“Secondly, it is charged to develop a strategic roadmap for engagement and visitation to affected persons in order to ascertain the circumstances and rationale behind such alleged victimization,” Chukwu stated.

The committee is chaired by Mr Chizoba Iheka, Assistant National Legal Adviser of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Chukwu said Iheka’s legal experience and commitment to justice would guide the committee in carrying out what he described as an important national assignment.

The Ohanaeze spokesman added that the organisation remained committed to protecting the rights, dignity and constitutional freedoms of Igbos globally.

“The organisation believes that no citizen should be subjected to unlawful treatment, discrimination, or abuse on account of ethnicity, social status, or political perception,” he said.

Ohanaeze also called on security agencies, human rights institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to cooperate with the committee in the interest of justice, fairness, national unity and the rule of law.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation reassured Ndigbo worldwide that it would continue to pursue lawful and constructive measures aimed at protecting the welfare, security and fundamental human rights of its people.

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