The Human Right Institute of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA-HRI received with deep sorrow and grave concern the heartbreaking petition from the Ndibe family of Osili Village, Enugwu-Ukwu, detailing the abduction and brutal killing of their only brother, Mr. Cornelius Emenike Ndibe, allegedly in the custody of the Ndi Akaodo/Agunechemba security outfit of Anambra State. The horrifying circumstances of his abduction on 31st May 2025 executed in the presence of his little children and family members and the subsequent revelation that he died the following day in custody, represent yet another tragic reminder of the growing disregard for human life in our society.
It is terribly disturbing that lives mean nothing to institutions entrusted with the responsibility to protect lives and property. These killings are becoming too, too many in our land. Every day, our nation is confronted with avoidable deaths, often triggered by the slightest provocation. Who did this to our dear country? How did we get to a point where uniformed or state-backed operatives can abduct a citizen, deny the family information, and the next news is that he died in their custody?
I am genuinely troubled and Nigerians must be too by what this says about the state policing structures we often glorify. If security outfits established at the state or local level cannot guarantee the sanctity of life, can we honestly say they are the answer to the decades-long challenge of protecting lives and property in Nigeria? The level of impunity we witness daily raises serious questions about training, discipline, oversight, and accountability.
The people-oriented Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, must rise firmly to this occasion. This ugly incident must not be handled with levity. It demands urgent, transparent, and decisive action. This must never be allowed to happen again in Anambra State or anywhere in Nigeria.
It is only when the suspect in this case is fully investigated, diligently prosecuted, and punished in accordance with the law that a strong message will be sent that enough is enough. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Anything less signals approval for future abuses.
We call on the Anambra State Government to treat this case with utmost seriousness. State backed security outfits must be cleansed of bad elements men without training, without restraint, without respect for human dignity. If state policing is to command public trust, it must begin with proper training, vetting, discipline, and continuous orientation. This is the only way to project state policing in good light and protect citizens from those who hide under security uniforms to commit atrocities.
Beyond the quest for justice, we passionately appeal to the Governor and relevant state agencies to render meaningful support to the deceased’s family especially his little children. Giving them access to good education and welfare support is not just compassionate; it is the least society owes them for the injustice that has shattered their lives.
May this never happen again in Anambra State. May no family ever endure this kind of grief in our country.
Sebastian Anyia, Esq.
1st Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association
Chairman, NBA Human Rights Committee
