RULAAC urges Otti to act on Chikadibia case 15 months after police raid
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), has written Governor Alex Otti of Abia State demanding an update on the investigation into the arrest, detention, and demolition of the home of the Chikadibia family during a police operation in April 2025.
In a follow-up letter dated 20 June 2026 and addressed to the governor, RULAAC Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma said no outcome of the probe had been made public more than 3 months after the group’s initial appeal on 6 March 2026, and over a year after the incident in Alaukwu, Osisioma Ngwa LGA on 12 April 2025.
According to the letter, Mr. Sunday Chikadibia and his daughters Glory, Ngozi, and Ogechi were arrested by armed operatives who failed to identify themselves or state reasons for the arrest. The family said they were blindfolded, detained, and accused of offences that were later unsubstantiated. While in custody, their home was demolished and household items removed without inventory, RULAAC alleged.
The advocacy group said the trauma contributed to the death of Mrs. Chioma Chikadibia on 8 August 2025, whose health “deteriorated significantly” after the arrest of her husband and daughters and the destruction of their home.
“The testimonies gathered by RULAAC and the observations of the family’s legal representative suggest a disturbing pattern of collective punishment, arbitrary arrest, prolonged detention, and disregard for due process,” Nwanguma wrote.
RULAAC acknowledged Otti’s earlier directive for an investigation but said justice requires more than release from detention. The group urged the Abia government to publicly disclose investigation findings and actions taken against officers found culpable, compensate the family for the demolished home and provide resettlement and housing support for the displaced family.
RULAAC also asked for fund education for Miss Ogechi Chikadibia, whose studies were disrupted, offer psychosocial support to surviving members and strengthen accountability to prevent recurrence.
“This case presents an important opportunity for the Government of Abia State to demonstrate that accountability and respect for human rights remain central pillars of governance,” the letter stated.
RULAAC called on Otti to ensure the investigation is concluded transparently and remedial measures implemented “without further delay.”
