Worried by the supposed injustice suffered by the Chikadibia family, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), a human rights organisation, has expressed deep concern over the continued silence surrounding the investigation ordered by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, into the grave human rights violations suffered by the family.
In a press release signed by the Executive Director, RULAAC, “on 6 March 2026, RULAAC petitioned the Governor, seeking restorative justice, accountability, and compensation for Mr. Sunday Chikadibia and his daughters, Glory, Ngozi and Ogechi Chikadibia, who were allegedly subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, prosecution, and the demolition of their family home during a police operation in Alaukwu, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, on 12 April 2025.
“We acknowledge and commend Governor Alex Otti for his prompt response to our petition and for directing that the matter be investigated. Pursuant to that directive, RULAAC honoured an invitation to provide information and was interviewed by the official assigned to investigate the matter. This gave us confidence that the Government was committed to addressing the injustice.
“However, several months have passed since that investigation commenced. Despite our follow-up letter dated 20 June 2026, we have received no information regarding the outcome of the investigation or any steps taken to provide redress to the victims,” the organisation pointed out.
“RULAAC is increasingly concerned that administrative bottlenecks or vested interests within the system may be preventing the investigation’s findings and recommendations from reaching the Governor or being acted upon. While we cannot independently verify the reasons for the prolonged delay, information available to us suggests that there may be individuals within government who have an interest in ensuring that this matter does not receive the attention and action it deserves. We urge that these concerns be addressed through transparency rather than silence,” the organisation urged.
The statement indicated that “the testimonies gathered by RULAAC reveal a deeply disturbing pattern of alleged abuse. In addition to the arbitrary arrest and detention of members of the Chikadibia family and the demolition of their home, the victims allege that police officers removed substantial sums of money from the house without preparing any inventory, receipt, or record of seizure. According to their testimonies, after taking the money to the police station, the officers openly shared it among themselves. The family further alleges that household furniture, personal effects, electrical appliances, and other valuable possessions were removed from the house without any inventory or lawful documentation, leaving no official record of what was taken. The family was never informed of the legal basis for the seizure of any of their property, nor were the items returned.
“The cumulative effect of these actions was catastrophic. Beyond losing their liberty, the family lost their home, their money, virtually all their household possessions, and their means of livelihood. They were rendered homeless and left to depend on the goodwill of others for survival. The emotional, psychological, and economic trauma inflicted on the family was profound. Tragically, Mrs. Chioma Chikadibia died on 8 August 2025 after her health reportedly deteriorated significantly following the arrest of her husband and daughters, the destruction of their home, and the overwhelming distress that accompanied these events. While no intervention can reverse this painful loss, it underscores the devastating human consequences of abuse carried out under the colour of authority.
“If established, these allegations point to serious violations of constitutional rights and due process, including arbitrary arrest and detention, unlawful destruction of property, unlawful seizure and conversion of private property, collective punishment, and abuse of public office for private gain. They also underscore the urgent need for accountability and effective remedies for victims of official misconduct.
“Justice is not achieved merely by acknowledging complaints or ordering investigations. Justice requires that investigations be concluded promptly, their findings made public, those responsible held accountable, and victims provided with effective remedies, including restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition,” the statement posits.
“RULAAC therefore respectfully calls on Governor Alex Otti to: – Release the findings of the investigation he directed into this matter.
– Ensure that officials found responsible for unlawful conduct are held accountable through appropriate disciplinary and legal processes.
– Provide full compensation for the demolished family home and for all money and personal property unlawfully taken or lost during the operation.
– Facilitate the resettlement of the family and provide adequate housing support to restore their dignity.
– Provide educational support for Miss Ogechi Chikadibia, whose education was disrupted by these events.
– Ensure access to psychosocial, medical, and humanitarian assistance for the surviving members of the family.
– Strengthen oversight and accountability mechanisms to prevent similar abuses by law enforcement personnel operating within Abia State.
“This case presents an important opportunity for the Abia State Government to demonstrate that accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights remain central to its vision of governance. It is also an opportunity to reassure citizens that no one acting under the colour of state authority is above the law and that victims of abuse will receive justice.
“RULAAC remains committed to constructive engagement with the Abia State Government and believes that Governor Alex Otti’s prompt response to our original petition reflected a genuine commitment to justice.
“We therefore respectfully urge His Excellency to personally ascertain the status of the investigation he directed and ensure that no administrative delay or vested interest frustrates the delivery of justice to the Chikadibia family. The victims have waited long enough. The people of Abia State deserve to know that when grave allegations of abuse are brought to the attention of their Government, they will be addressed transparently, decisively, and without undue delay.”
