A rights group, Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), has raised alarm over what it described as a full-blown human rights emergency and democratic subversion in Anambra state under the APGA-led government of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
In a press statement by the group made available to DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS and signed by its Executive Director, Okoye, Chuka Peter, CEHRAWS demanded the Immediate proscription and disbandment of the Udo Ga‑Achi and Aka Odo squads as well as the comprehensive, independent investigations into all reported killings, assaults, and extortions perpetrated by these outfits.
The group also advocated for the establishment of a Rights-Based Community Policing Framework, with legislative legitimacy, civil oversight, and compliance with international human rights standards.
CEHRAWS said it “is gravely alarmed by the growing spate of violence, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, state-sponsored torture, and democratic infractions currently being perpetrated in Anambra State under the APGA-led government of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo”.
Here is the Press statement as sent.
Press Statement
GROWING BRUTALITY, IMPUNITY AND DEMOCRATIC SABOTAGE IN ANAMBRA STATE UNDER PROF. CHARLES SOLUDO’S WATCH
The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) is gravely alarmed by the growing spate of violence, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, state-sponsored torture, and democratic infractions currently being perpetrated in Anambra State under the APGA-led government of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
Reportedly, under the guise of securing the state, Udo Ga‑Achi and Aka-Odo security outfits, both extra-legal, untrained and unsupervised enforcement teams, have allegedly become agents of terror rather than instruments of law and order. The wanton killings, assaults, criminal extortion, and flagrant abuse of power by these outfits amount to grave violations of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, and other binding human rights instruments.
A PARADE OF ATROCITIES MASQUERADING AS ENFORCEMENT
In Onitsha Main Market, the reported extrajudicial killing of 13-year-old Fabian Ugo, shot dead by Udo Ga‑Achi operatives for allegedly urinating in public, is not only barbaric but criminal. This innocent child, a minor protected under Sections 11 and 15 of the Child’s Rights Act 2003, and Section 33 of the Constitution, was unlawfully denied his right to life.
In Owerre‑Ezukala, the killing of three young men from Isuofia, allegedly mistaken for kidnappers, reveals an unstructured, undisciplined, and untrained vigilante system lacking investigative capacity or legal restraint. The failure of the state to hold any actor accountable is a direct breach of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution which imposes upon the state the obligation to ensure the security and welfare of its people.
In Nnewi, the reckless shooting and killing of a young female teacher, Miss Chiamaka Okeke, by a so-called traffic operative of Udo Ga‑Achi exemplifies how a state can descend into sanctioned lawlessness. According to eyewitnesses, the perpetrator had no official identification nor formal training, raising serious questions about command responsibility and the criteria for recruitment into these forces.
One of the most recent and disturbing cases involves Mr. Chibuike, who was falsely accused by a boutique owner of failing to pay for clothes he legitimately purchased. Udo Ga‑Achi operatives were summoned to the scene and, acting without lawful authority, compelled Mr. Chibuike to transfer ₦430,000 to the boutique owner under duress. They subsequently abducted him to an undisclosed location, where he was held hostage for days. During this illegal detention, he was coerced into making additional transfers totaling ₦1,400,000 to a POS account operated by the squad. The total sum extorted could have been higher but for the constraints of daily bank transfer limits.
Thanks to the swift intervention and advocacy of civil rights team in Anambra State, led by one Mr. Fidel Chigozie, the total amount of ₦1,830,000 was recovered from the perpetrators. This incident constitutes incontrovertible evidence of the extortion rackets being run under the guise of state-sanctioned security. We openly challenge the Anambra State Police Command, which has repeatedly provided cover for these criminal elements, to take decisive action and cease shielding human rights abusers.
In Obosi, the Aka Odo squad reportedly carried out brutal attacks on residents and the town hall, using pestles as weapons, breaking bones, vandalizing vehicles, and traumatizing entire communities. This level of violence, unprecedented in peacetime, amounts to torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, contrary to Section 34(1) of the 1999 Constitution and Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
DEMOCRACY UNDER SIEGE: THE CRISIS OF IMPOSED PGs AND COMMUNITY DESTABILISATION
CEHRAWS also condemns, in the strongest terms, the imposition of political loyalists as President Generals (PGs) of various town unions in Anambra State, with blatant disregard for community bylaws, democratic norms, and participatory processes. These actions violate the Fundamental Right to Freedom of Association (Section 40) and undermine indigenous governance systems protected by customary and statutory law.
Reports reaching us further indicate that President Generals who refuse to align with the ruling party have been intimidated, displaced, and in some instances, allegedly murdered. Traditional rulers, too, have come under threat, facing dethronement, harassment, and undue political interference, continuing the destabilization tactics reminiscent of the previous administration under Chief Willie Obiano.
This trajectory, if left unchecked, will erode public trust, entrench authoritarianism, and foster a culture of fear and silence under a single-party regime.
OUR LEGAL POSITION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Unconstitutionality of Udo Ga‑Achi & Aka Odo Outfits
These groups operate in violation of Sections 214–216 of the 1999 Constitution, which vest policing powers solely in the Nigeria Police Force. Any parallel security formation without statutory backing constitutes an unconstitutional usurpation of state security powers.
2. Violation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Anambra State
The practices of unlawful arrest, torture, extortion, and detention contravene Sections 8, 10, and 34 of the ACJL, which enshrine due process, prohibition of torture, and the presumption of innocence.
3. Breach of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law (VAPP) of Anambra State
Acts of coercion, assault, intimidation, and public brutality fall squarely under the offences created by Sections 2 and 14 of the VAPP Law, which criminalize all forms of physical violence and harmful practices.
RECOMMENDATIONS
✓ Immediate proscription and disbandment of the Udo Ga‑Achi and Aka Odo squads.
✓ Comprehensive, independent investigations into all reported killings, assaults, and extortions perpetrated by these outfits.
✓ Establishment of a Rights-Based Policing Framework, with legislative legitimacy, civil oversight, and compliance with international human rights standards.
✓ Transparent monitoring unit to supervise the activities of all local enforcement groups and prosecute erring officers.
✓ Immediate cessation of politically motivated PG impositions, with full respect for community constitutions and participatory governance.
✓ Legislative intervention by the Anambra State House of Assembly to prevent future executive abuse of traditional and communal structures.
✓ Full enforcement of Section 15(5) of the Constitution, mandating the state to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
CONCLUSION
What is happening in Anambra State is no longer mere policy failure, it is a full-blown human rights emergency and democratic subversion. It is both illegal and immoral for a state to abdicate its constitutional duties and empower unregulated thugs under the cloak of public safety.
The people of Anambra deserve justice, peace, and dignity, not fear, bloodshed, and repression.
CEHRAWS stands in solidarity with all victims and their families and calls on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), civil society, and the international community to urgently intervene and monitor the deteriorating human rights landscape in Anambra State.
Enough is enough.
Signed:
Okoye, Chuka Peter
For: CEHRAWS
Email: cehraws@gmail.com | Tel: +234 80355 29865
