Four individuals residing in the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Imo State have decried their imprisonment without being given a fair trial. The magistrate court in Owerri ordered their detention, sparking outrage over what they described as a grave injustice.
The affected individuals – Oguguom Chinedu, Nduka Samuel, Chima Ogechi, and Nnadi Victory – were remanded at the Owerri Correctional Centre by Magistrate Tochi Agumanu over allegations of contempt of court.
Speaking to journalists at the NUJ Secretariat, Oguguom Chinedu, acting as the spokesperson for the group, described their ordeal as a “miscarriage of justice.” He claimed their imprisonment was fueled by the ambitions of Rev. Godson Nlemchukwu, an Anglican priest allegedly eyeing the NUJ complex.
The group has called on the Attorney General of Imo State, Barr. COC Akaolisa, and top judiciary officials to investigate the case thoroughly.
“On December 10, 2024, a tragic event unfolded in Imo State,” Chinedu lamented. “It was a dark day for the judiciary as innocent individuals were imprisoned without trial. This disgraceful act remains a stain on the justice system.”
He further alleged that certain influential individuals within the state government are shielding those responsible for this injustice, allowing them to act with impunity.
Background of the Conflict
The Imo NUJ chapter had been in court for months seeking to prevent the sale of their secretariat. A restraining order had been issued, barring Enedo General Services, a company allegedly linked to Rev. Nlemchukwu, from seizing the property.
Despite this, Enedo General Services, aided by their lawyer and the Chief Bailiff, Mr. Onyekachi Uba, presented a contested High Court judgment to Magistrate Agumanu. They reportedly convinced her to issue an execution order to evict the secretariat occupants.
On November 28, 2024, at approximately 11 AM, heavily armed policemen from the New Owerri Police Station invaded the NUJ Secretariat. The four occupants were arrested, taken to the police command, and later detained at the Owerri Correctional Centre for 12 days.
“We were not arraigned or tried,” Chinedu said. “We were simply thrown into prison.”
While in detention, the group faced appalling conditions.
“The correctional centre turned out to be a hub of torture,” Chinedu revealed. “One of us was brutally beaten by a cell leader for failing to pay an ‘arrival fee’ of ₦20,000. We could have lost him.”
A Call for Investigation
The group urged the Deputy Controller of Prisons to investigate these inhumane practices and end the torture within the facility.
“We demand accountability for the mistreatment we endured,” they said. “Those responsible must be held to account.”
Demands for Restitution
The occupants have also called for the immediate arrest of Rev. Godson Nlemchukwu and Mr. Onyekachi Uba for allegedly misleading the court.
They issued a seven-day ultimatum for the Chief Bailiff to return all confiscated properties from the NUJ Secretariat.
“If our belongings are not returned within seven days, we will explore all legal options to reclaim them,” Chinedu declared.
The group concluded by urging Barr. Akaolisa and judiciary leaders to thoroughly investigate the events leading to their imprisonment. They stressed the need for punitive measures against those involved, stating it would deter future occurrences.
“This incident should serve as a wake-up call to the judiciary,” they added. “Justice must not only be done but seen to be done.”
