Alleged Assault: Human Rights Activist Calls for the Arrest, Prosecution of Ebonyi Quarry Association Chairman, Chikaodiri Ojemba

A Human rights activist and the Executive Director of Incorporated Trustees of Inspiring Generation and Humanity Support Foundation Africa (IGHUSUF), Prince Darlington Peter Onwe has raised the alarm over an attack on his person by the Chairman of the Consolidated Ebonyi Quarry Owners Association, Mr. Chikaodiri Ojemba.

In a press statement issued in Abakaliki on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025, Prince Onwe, recounted a brutal assault he endured at the hands of over fifteen individuals, allegedly hired by Mr. Chikaodiri Ojemba.

Chikaodiri Ojemba

Onwe who described the incident as an “unprovoked attack that left him physically harmed and humiliated, calling it a clear violation of his fundamental human rights” called on Security agencies to properly investigate the matter to ensure that the culprits are brought to book in line with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

According to Onwe, the attack took place in the morning of March 21st, when he, alongside police officers from the Abakaliki Area Command, attempted to execute a lawful arrest related to a serious case involving murder, cultism and other grievous offences. Onwe, who is both a complainant and a pointer in the investigation, was accompanying officers when they arrived at the home of one of the suspects whose wife claimed to have left. When the suspects fell into a feigned trap of departure, the police officers rushed to arrest but the suspects sped off to Mr. Chikaodiri Ojemba’s  residence where Mr. Ojemba’s thugs and armed security personnel grossly and mercilessly assaulted him and the officers drafted from the Police Area Command.

Onwe claimed that Mr. Ojemba, who arrived on the scene shortly after, falsely accused him of being a kidnapper. According to Onwe, Ojemba’s security detail and some yet to be identified  thugs accompanying him began attacking him, physically assaulting him by slapping, kicking, and beating him indiscriminately.

 

Onwe’s account stated that after the assault, he was taken into police custody and later transferred to the Police clinic for treatment. However, due to the severity of his injuries, he was referred to the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital for emergency care.

 

In his statement, Onwe condemned the actions of Ojemba, accusing him of orchestrating the attack and using his position to manipulate security forces for personal gain. He also called for immediate action from key authorities to ensure justice is served, including a full investigation by the Inspector General of Police, a review by the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, and intervention from the Director-General of the Department of State Security Services (DSS).

 

Onwe further appealed to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State to ensure the safety of all citizens and to prevent future incidents of police misconduct and brutality.

 

Onwe’s case highlights serious concerns over the alleged misuse of police personnel and the abuse of power by individuals in positions of authority. He emphasized that his fundamental rights, protected under Nigeria’s Constitution, had been violated. He urged the authorities to ensure that justice is served and to uphold the provisions of Section 34(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees citizens protection from torture and inhuman treatment.

 

The incident has sparked outrage among human rights advocates, with many calling for a thorough investigation of the matter.

As Onwe seeks justice, his case has highlights the ongoing struggles faced by individuals who confront corruption and abuse of power in today’s Nigeria.