The House of Representatives has ordered its Committee on Public Petitions to investigate allegations of abduction and unlawful detention of Comrade Igboayaka Igboayaka, the President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC).
The directive came after lawmakers received a petition from the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), a sociocultural group representing Igbo youths. Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, who represents the Ideato North-South Federal Constituency, presented the petition on behalf of the group.
Background of the Controversy
The petition, dated March 5, was signed by OYC Secretary-General Iheanyichukwu Nweke and Publicity Secretary Comrade Michael Ukpabi. It highlighted an incident on February 2, 2025, in Amegu Nkalagha Ishielu, Ebonyi State, where herdsmen allegedly attacked residents, killing over 20 people and burning several houses.
Following the attack, Igboayaka publicly urged the Ebonyi State Governor to take immediate action against the increasing presence of herdsmen in the state. However, his statement allegedly led to his arrest, raising concerns over suppression of free speech and intimidation.
OYC condemned the arrest, saying, “Our president only called for urgent action to protect the people. We do not understand why he was detained instead of those responsible for the violence.“
Calls for Immediate Action
The petition urged lawmakers to demand Igboayaka’s immediate and unconditional release, insisting that he deserves a fair trial in a competent court, free from political interference.
“We urge the House of Representatives to ensure that Comrade Igboayaka is either released immediately or given a fair hearing in court,” the petition stated.
OYC also called on the Ebonyi State Governor to cease any form of intimidation against their leader or any other member of the organization.
Presenting the petition at Thursday’s plenary, Ugochinyere emphasized the urgency of the matter. “They are seeking the intervention of the House to address the unlawful arrest, illegal detention, and alleged abduction of Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, the National President of OYC,” he said.
In response, Speaker Tajudeen Abass referred the petition to the Committee on Public Petitions for further investigation.
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