RULAAC writes Otti, seeks governor’s intervention over travails of father, three daughters in hand of police, as mother dies of depression
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, over the travails of the Chikadibia family in the Osisioma Ngwa area of Abia State.
The home of the family was on April 12, 2025, stormed by armed police personnel who arrested the father, Mr Chikadibia and his three daughters – Glory, Ngozi, and Ogechi.
According to RULAAC, the family was later arraigned secretly on a bogus charge of terrorism without the knowledge of their lawyer.
The prolonged detention of the family members and its traumatising effect later caused the death of Mrs Chioma Chikadibia, wife of Mr Chikadibia and mother of the three ladies.
In a letter titled: “Urgent Demand for Justice and Intervention in the Case of the Arbitrary Arrest, Detention, and Persecution of the Chikadibia Family,” RULAAC urged Governor Otti to intervene.
The statement reads: “The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) writes to you with grave concern over the continuing ordeal of the Chikadibia family of Alaukwu Village, Osisioma Ngwa LGA, at the hands of operatives of the Abia State Police Command.
“On April 12, 2025, armed men, identified as personnel of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, violently stormed the family compound of Mr. Chikadibia Sunday (63), broke doors, looted property, and abducted him along with his three daughters — Glory, Ngozi, and Ogechi — without showing any warrant, stating any allegation, or following due process.
“For weeks, the police denied holding them, refused them access to family or legal counsel, and later secretly arraigned them on terrorism charges without evidence and without legal representation of their choice. They were remanded in Aba Correctional Centre where they remain, abandoned, and without further court appearances.
“Meanwhile, police reportedly returned to demolish the family house. The mother and wife, Mrs. Chioma Chikadibia, traumatized by these events, fell into depression and died on August 8, 2025.
“Your Excellency, the consequences of this abuse are devastating:
“Mr. Chikadibia’s health has seriously deteriorated in detention.
“His youngest daughter, Ogechi, a final-year student of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, has been unable to continue her education or sit for her forthcoming examinations. Unless urgent intervention is made, she risks losing an academic year — compounding the injustice already inflicted on her.
“The family’s home, businesses, and livelihood have been destroyed, leaving surviving members destitute.
“This case amounts to a gross abuse of police power, violation of constitutional rights, and a grave miscarriage of justice. It is unconscionable that in a democracy, citizens can be abducted, hidden, denied due process, and persecuted in this manner.
“We therefore petition Your Excellency as Governor and Chief Security Officer of Abia State to:
“1. Order an immediate review of the case of Mr. Chikadibia Sunday and his daughters and secure their release from unlawful detention.
“2. Ensure that Ogechi is urgently enabled to continue her education and sit for her imminent examinations at IMT, Enugu.
“3. Institute an independent investigation into the raid, unlawful arrests, denial of access, secret arraignment, and demolition of the family house.
“4. Hold accountable all officers involved in this abuse of power and ensure that justice is served.
“5. Provide remedies and compensation to the surviving members of the Chikadibia family for the death of Mrs. Chioma, loss of property, unlawful detention, and trauma suffered.
“Your Excellency, this case has already claimed one life. It must not claim more. Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done — for the Chikadibia family, for Abia State, and for the rule of law.”
