By News Desk
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Igbo Community Association Federal Capital Territory (ICA FCT), representing over 2.8 million Igbo residents in Abuja, has issued a press statement strongly condemning the prolonged detention of Ozioma Elizabeth Onyeaka.
According to the association, Onyeaka—an Anambra-born citizen—was arrested over five years and three months ago in Onitsha, Anambra State, by officers of the Department of State Services (DSS). She was subsequently held without trial at the Wawa Military Detention Center in Kainji, Niger State, before recently appearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Calls for AGF Intervention and Official Redress
The leadership of the ICA FCT described her multi-year detention without access to family or legal representation as inhumane and unacceptable under a constitutional democracy.
In its statement, the community association outlined specific demands to the Federal Government and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF):
- Immediate Release & Clearance: An order from the AGF directing her unconditional release from custody and dismissal of unproven charges.
- Compensation & Medical Support: Full financial compensation, a public apology, and immediate comprehensive medical care for Onyeaka to address the physical and psychological impact of her detention.
- Broad Investigation: A formal panel of inquiry launched by the AGF to investigate the circumstances surrounding her arrest and transfer, alongside the prosecution of officials found liable for illegal detention.
- Government Outreach: A call to prominent South-East public officials within the administration, including Works Minister David Umahi, to intervene directly on the matter.
Legal Briefing Details
Accounts provided by human rights lawyer Barrister Nnaemeka confirm that Onyeaka was held in isolation for years without her family’s knowledge, with relatives believing she had passed away until video evidence emerged from her court appearance in Abuja. Her legal team has entered an official appearance and formally petitioned the AGF seeking immediate administrative relief.
The joint release was officially signed by President General Nze (Engr) Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe and Secretary General Mazi Chinwoke Emmanuel Onah on behalf of the ICA FCT leadership. Neither the Department of State Services nor the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation has issued a public statement regarding the petition.
