By Ella Michaels
The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has issued a strong appeal to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, calling for the immediate release of Mazi Obinna Akuwudike, the Council's Member of Directorate Media and Publicity. Akuwudike has been held in custody by the Cybercrime Department of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja for over 15 days.
*Background of the Arrest*
Akuwudike, a social media influencer and committed member of the OYC, was reportedly arrested following a complaint filed by Ms. Sandra Duru. The arrest is linked to the circulation of controversial film and audio content allegedly involving Ms. Duru, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Sen. Natasha Uduaghan.
*Allegations of Unlawful Detention*
The OYC condemned Akuwudike's prolonged detention as a gross violation of his fundamental human rights and a deliberate act of intimidation against the Council's members. The Council emphasized that the nature of the content in question may be contentious, but it doesn't justify extended detention without trial or access to bail ¹.
*Call for Action*
The OYC has urged the police to either charge Akuwudike to court or release him immediately. They also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the matter and ensure justice is served swiftly and fairly. Failure to address the issue objectively within 48 hours could strain the bonds of friendship and mutual respect between the Igbo Youths and President Tinubu's administration.
*Key Points*
- *Detention Duration*: Over 15 days without trial or access to bail
- *Reason for Arrest*: Circulation of controversial film and audio content
- *Parties Involved*: Mazi Obinna Akuwudike, Ms. Sandra Duru, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Sen. Natasha Uduaghan
- *OYC's Demand*: Immediate release or trial of Akuwudike
- *Appeal to*: IGP Kayode Egbetokun and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
*Similar Incidents*
The OYC's demand for Akuwudike's release echoes previous calls for justice in similar cases. For instance, the Council condemned the detention of Dr. Ifeanyi Uba, Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, by the Department of State Services (DSS). The OYC emphasized that the DSS's actions constituted an abuse of democracy and human rights ².
*Precedent Cases*
- *Igboayaka's Detention*: In February 2025, the OYC President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, was detained by the Ebonyi State Police Command. His bail application was adjourned to March 12, 2025.
- *DSS's Handling of Dr. Uba's Case*: The OYC criticized the DSS for detaining Dr. Uba without trial, citing allegations of product theft and economic sabotage .
The situation highlights concerns about the misuse of law enforcement agencies for personal or political vendettas, and the OYC's call for due process and respect for human rights.
