Ohanaeze Sets Up Special Committee Over Alleged Harassment, Detentions of Igbos

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has inaugurated a special committee to investigate alleged human rights abuses against Igbos in Nigeria and across the Diaspora amid growing concerns over reports of harassment, extortion and unlawful detention of Igbo youths.

The committee was inaugurated by the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata during a meeting of the Global Executive Council held at the organisation’s national secretariat in Enugu.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze, Ezechi Chukwu, who said the decision followed what the organisation described as “disturbing complaints” from different parts of the country and beyond.

According to the statement, the committee will investigate allegations that many Igbos, particularly young people, have become victims of intimidation, extortion, unlawful arrests and prolonged detention.

Ohanaeze said the panel would identify specific cases and locations where alleged abuses have occurred and engage with affected persons to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the claims.

“In line with its mandate, the committee is expected to identify areas and cases of alleged human rights abuses, unlawful detention, and victimisation of Igbos in Nigeria and across the diaspora,” the statement said.

The organisation added that the committee would also develop a strategic roadmap for engagement with victims and institutions connected to the alleged incidents.

The committee is chaired by Chizoba Iheka, the Assistant National Legal Adviser of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Ohanaeze expressed confidence in Iheka’s legal expertise and commitment to justice, saying his leadership would help the committee carry out a credible and objective assignment.

The Igbo group reiterated its commitment to defending the constitutional rights and dignity of Ndigbo wherever they reside, stressing that no Nigerian should suffer discrimination or unlawful treatment because of ethnicity or political perception.

“The organisation believes that no citizen should be subjected to unlawful treatment, discrimination, or abuse on account of ethnicity, social status, or political perception,” the statement added.

Ohanaeze also appealed to security agencies, civil society organisations, human rights groups and other stakeholders to cooperate with the committee in the interest of justice, fairness and national unity.

The body assured Ndigbo worldwide that it would continue to pursue lawful and constructive measures aimed at protecting the welfare, security and fundamental rights of Igbo people globally.