Ohanaeze Youth Council Accuses Ebonyi Governor Nwifuru Of Using Police To Abduct, Torture Activist's Nursing Wife

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has accused Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru of orchestrating a political witch-hunt against activist Nwoba Chika Nwoba, alleging that police officers abducted, assaulted, and tortured the activist's nursing wife in an attempt to intimidate him.

The group made the allegation during a press briefing held in Abakaliki on Friday, where its National President, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, condemned the "abduction" of Nwoba's wife from her residence in Awka, Anambra State, on the eve of July 30, 2026.

According to OYC, the nursing mother was allegedly taken from her home by operatives said to be working in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Government, an action it described as "executive rascality and impunity."

Speaking during the briefing, Igboayaka urged Governor Nwifuru to stop what he described as political persecution of Nwoba, insisting that criticism of government is fundamental to democratic governance, particularly ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State.

"Criticism is a vital component of democracy and governance worldwide, allowing governments to rectify both intentional and unintentional errors in governance and implement effective policies," Igboayaka said.

In a civilized nation, a public office holder like Gov Francis Nwifuru should leverage criticism from Comrade Nwoba Chika Nwoba to excel in governance in Ebonyi State, rather than engaging in unnecessary political persecution against him."

The OYC also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged operation, claiming that those involved unlawfully entered the family's residence in Awka through the ceiling before taking away the activist's wife.

The group urged the police chief to investigate officers attached to the Ebonyi State Police Command allegedly involved in the operation and ensure they are brought to justice.

Igboayaka maintained that Nwoba's wife had committed no offence and was allegedly targeted solely because of her relationship with the activist.

"Comrade Nwoba Chika Nwoba's wife did not commit any crime other than being the spouse of Nwoba Chika Nwoba, a vocal advocate for good governance in Ebonyi State," he said.

"The Nigeria Police Ebonyi State Command's abduction of an innocent woman in search of Comrade Nwoba Chika Nwoba constitutes an act of impunity."

The group further demanded the immediate release of the woman and called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure she is reunited with her family in Awka, Anambra State.

The allegations come amid heightened political tensions in Ebonyi State, with opposition voices and civil society groups raising concerns over what they describe as increasing intolerance of dissent.