RULAAC petitions Abia Gov Otti over 4-Year detention of 12 Okagwe Ohafia indigenes
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned Abia State Governor Alex Otti to intervene in the prolonged detention and trial of 12 indigenes of Okagwe Ohafia over a land dispute that escalated into a communal crisis.
In a letter dated 12 May 2026, addressed to the governor through the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, RULAAC said the defendants have been in custody since 2021.
The statement signed by RULAAC’s Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the case originated from disputes over land acquired for the proposed Hope Waddell University in Okagwe Community. The dispute reportedly widened to include disagreements over the size of land ceded and later became entangled with a succession dispute to the traditional stool following the death of the former ruler in 2020.
According to RULAAC, tensions between rival factions led to a violent confrontation in which one Mr. Eze Kalu Achi was injured and later died. Several people perceived as supporters of one faction were subsequently arrested.
The group said some defendants obtained bail orders at various stages but were allegedly transferred between police formations, re-arrested, and eventually arraigned before the Abia State High Court, where they have remained in custody. It added that at least three judges have recused themselves from the matter, causing repeated delays.
RULAAC raised concerns over the health of the detainees, citing the case of Chief Agbai Ukonu, who it said was about 98 years old at the time of detention and died in custody after being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia. The group said reports that he remained restrained during his final illness raised serious humanitarian and human rights concerns.
The organization urged the Abia government to review the circumstances of the detention, consider measures to accelerate the trial, and explore lawful options for bail or non-custodial measures, particularly for elderly and ill defendants. It also called for alternative dispute resolution and peacebuilding initiatives to address the underlying communal tensions.
RULAAC said the continued detention raises constitutional concerns under Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the rights to personal liberty and fair hearing within a reasonable time.
