Anambra land dispute: RULAAC raises alarm over man’s arrest, gatekeeper’s disappearance
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Anambra State Government to investigate the reported violent arrest of Jude Nwoye Anokwu and the disappearance of his wounded gatekeeper.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Anokwu’s residence in Udezu Village, Achalla, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
In a statement signed by Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC said armed men believed to include personnel of Operation Udogachi and armed residents of Udezu Village invaded the property.
The operation was reportedly led by Chijioke Ekwelie, also known as Sese Kolombo.
The group allegedly shot Anokwu’s gatekeeper, identified only as Chibuzo. His whereabouts and condition remain unknown.
RULAAC said Anokwu was taken away alongside several friends who were visiting him. Their vehicle and personal belongings were also reportedly seized.
The organisation said it had received information that Anokwu and several others were being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka.
It also alleged that the residence and other property were vandalised during the operation.
RULAAC said the latest incident bears similarities to Anokwu’s arrest on July 24, 2025, over a longstanding dispute involving land inherited from his family.
According to the organisation, local actors from Udezu Village and police officers invaded his residence at about 5:30 a.m. during the earlier incident.
Anokwu was allegedly assaulted with wooden planks and tear gas before being handcuffed and taken to Achalla Police Division.
He was later transferred to the police Zone 2 Command in Lagos, despite living in Anambra State.
RULAAC said he was subsequently accused of conspiracy, terrorism, threat to life, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace and association with the Indigenous People of Biafra and its Eastern Security Network.
The organisation alleged that Anokwu was assaulted during his detention and sustained injuries to his ribs and jaw.
It said the then Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 ordered his release after RULAAC intervened.
Anokwu later required medical treatment for injuries he allegedly sustained during the arrest and detention, the group added.
RULAAC expressed concern that the latest operation could be linked to efforts to dispossess Anokwu of his inherited family land.
The organisation also said it had received information about alleged plans to accuse him of harbouring IPOB/ESN members and training internet fraudsters, commonly known as Yahoo boys.
It stressed that these claims had not been established as facts.
However, RULAAC said the recurrence of serious security allegations against Anokwu warranted an independent investigation.
It warned against using terrorism allegations or claims of criminal association to settle land disputes or intimidate people asserting property rights.
RULAAC said it had been informed that the latest operation and detention were carried out under the authority of Ken Emeakai, identified by the organisation as the Governor’s Security Adviser and commander of Operation Udogachi.
It called on Emeakai and the security outfit’s leadership to explain the legal basis for the operation.
The organisation also demanded the identities of those involved and clarification on whether armed civilians accompanied security personnel.
It sought answers on the circumstances surrounding the alleged shooting of Anokwu’s gatekeeper, including who took him away and where he is being held.
RULAAC further demanded information on the whereabouts and condition of Anokwu and the other detainees.
It also questioned the legal basis for the reported seizure of their vehicle and personal belongings.
The organisation urged the Anambra State Governor, the State Security Adviser, Operation Udogachi and the state Commissioner of Police to ensure transparency and accountability.
RULAAC called for the immediate location of Chibuzo and the disclosure of his condition to his family.
It said he should receive urgent medical attention if he is alive and injured. Anyone holding him, the organisation added, must account for his custody.
The group also called for Anokwu and the other detainees to be granted access to their families, lawyers and medical care.
It said the authorities should inform them of the allegations against them. If credible evidence exists, they should be charged before a competent court. Otherwise, they should be released without delay.
RULAAC also demanded an investigation into the alleged invasion, shooting, disappearance, destruction of property and seizure of personal belongings.
It said anyone found culpable should be held accountable, regardless of whether they were security personnel, community members or private individuals.
The organisation urged the state government to ensure that the land dispute was resolved through lawful civil processes.
It warned that security agencies must not be used to intimidate citizens or help powerful individuals take possession of disputed property.
