RULAAC demands immediate release of Uzodimma’s ex-commissioner
By Jeffrey Agbo
Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for the immediate release or charge of Fabian Ihekweme, a former commissioner appointed by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Ihekweme’s arrest comes amid his criticism of the Uzodimma administration.
Imo police spokesman, Henry Okoye, said Ihekweme was arrested following a petition against him by a group known as Imo Democratic Alliance (IDA). According to Okoye, the group accused him of making “seditious and inflammatory publications aimed at inciting civil unrest in the state.”
In a statement on Thursday, Executive Director of RULAAC Okechukwu Nwanguma condemned the use of police to hound political opponents, urging the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure that any arrest related to complaints from state governors adheres to the due process outlined in the Police Act.
The statement said, “Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) is gravely concerned about the recent arrest of Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a former commissioner under Governor Hope Uzodinma, at his Abuja residence.
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“This incident, witnessed by his family, raises serious questions about the motives behind his arrest, particularly given his vocal criticism of Governor Uzodinma’s administration.
“Dr. Ihekweme’s wife has voiced alarming worries regarding her husband’s health and safety, alleging potential plots to eliminate him under the guise of an accident. His outspoken condemnation of the pervasive lack of transparency and accountability in governance, alongside the systematic undermining of the judiciary and legislative processes in Imo State, has placed him at serious risk.
“This troubling pattern of repression has also affected others, such as Nonso Nkwa, who was similarly detained by police at the behest of Governor Uzodinma and remains unjustly imprisoned. These actions point to a systematic effort to silence dissent and stifle free speech.
“We call upon the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to uphold the integrity of the police force and ensure that any arrest related to complaints from state governors adheres to the due process outlined in the Police Act. Citizens should not be subjected to violent arrests, incommunicado detention, or indefinite holding without formal charges.
“The police must resist becoming instruments of oppression, and human rights violations must not be tolerated.
“We demand the immediate release of Dr. Ihekweme and Nonso Nkwa or, if necessary, prompt charges brought against them in a court of law, allowing for a fair determination of their guilt or innocence.”
