Lawyer Petitions IGP Over Anambra Businessman's Detention

On 24th August 2026, lawyer Onyekaalam O. Allionnwu submitted a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, alleging the intimidation, harassment, and prolonged detention of Anambra businessman Okechukwu Ugenyi.

Ugenyi's incarceration is reportedly tied to a traditional leadership dispute in Agbaja, Abatete, Idemili North local government area, involving Chief Pius Ezeigwe's controversial emergence as Obi Agbaja. The petition requests the transfer of the case from the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for a thorough investigation.

Ugenyi was initially charged at Eziowelle Police Station and later at the Magistrate Court in Ogidi and the Federal High Court in Awka. Despite being granted bail on 10 July 2026, Ugenyi remained detained due to delays in verifying sureties' addresses and other administrative issues.

The petition claims his health has deteriorated during detention, and he is allegedly being punished for "insulting a big man," according to information from a police officer.