RULAAC urges Otti to direct Abia Attorney-General to release probe report on Chikadibia family’s ordeal
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has appealed to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State to direct his Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to submit the findings and recommendations arising from the investigation into the Chikadibia family’s case.
The case stems from an alleged illegal arrest of Sunday Chikadibia and his daughters, Glory, Ngozi and Ogechi, who suffered prolonged detention and prosecution, demolition of their family home, cash allegedly removed and later shared among police officers in their station.
In a letter dated November 6, 2026, RULAAC said it appreciates the intervention of the governor which contributed to the release of Mr. Sunday Chikadibia and his three daughters following their arrest on 12 April 20
- “We also acknowledge your subsequent referral of our appeal for restorative justice to the Attorney-General for investigation and appropriate recommendations,” the letter stated.
It however noted that despite the Ministry of Justice’s engagement with the family and the reported completion of its departmental report, neither RULAAC nor the victims have received no formal communication of the findings or the Government’s decision.
The letter reads in part, “Your Excellency may recall that the complaint concerns allegations of arrest in lieu of another family member, prolonged incommunicado detention, prosecution, demolition of the family home in Alaukwu, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, removal of property and money, and unauthorised withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts. The family also suffered displacement, loss of livelihood and disruption of Ogechi’s education. Mrs. Chioma Chikadibia died on 8 August 2025, following what her relatives describe as a period of severe distress occasioned by these events.
“Following our petition of 6 March 2026 and follow-up appeal of 20 June 2026, the Ministry’s Citizens’ Rights Department met with the family and their legal representative, C. C. Nwachukwu, Esq., on 4 August 2026. Counsel subsequently reported submitting the additional materials requested, including photographs of the demolition, bank statements and a list of property allegedly removed.
“On a follow-up visit to the Ministry on 6 October 2026, counsel was reportedly informed by the Director of Citizens’ Rights, Mrs. Chininyerem Patience Onyemenonu, that the departmental report had been completed and would be submitted to the Attorney-General that day. RULAAC made a further inquiry to the Attorney-General on 21 October 2026, but no substantive outcome has been communicated to us.
“We therefore respectfully request that Your Excellency:
- Direct the Attorney-General to submit the investigation report, findings and recommendations to you within 14 days, including the completed Citizens’ Rights Department report and an account of any action already taken.
- Require that any outstanding investigative steps be clearly identified, with reasons for the delay and a definite timetable for completion.
- Ensure that RULAAC and the family receive a written account of the findings and the Government’s decision, with access to the report subject to necessary protections for personal information and any ongoing proceedings.
- On consideration of the findings, approve appropriate measures for accountability, restitution, compensation and rehabilitation, including housing, educational and psychosocial support where warranted.
“The family’s release was an important intervention, but the destruction of their home, alleged loss of property and money, and other consequences of their ordeal remain unresolved. They deserve a clear decision and practical steps towards rebuilding their lives.
“Your Excellency’s initial responsiveness gave the family hope. We appeal to you to ensure that the investigation you directed produces a timely, transparent and meaningful outcome.”
