Senior Lawyer Petitions Enugu Attorney-General To Investigate Monarch For Human Rights Violations

A prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chukwuemeka Ofodile, has filed petitions against a traditional ruler in Enugu State, accusing him of human rights violations against the people of Agunese Mmaku community. The petitions, addressed to the Nigerian Bar Association and the Enugu State Attorney-General, were submitted on September 19, 2024, citing harassment, intimidation, and rights abuses by the monarch, Igwe Cyprian Maduabuchi Nevobasi, allegedly through the use of police operatives.

This follows recent protests by community members against the traditional ruler, who they claim has been using the police to silence dissenting voices and perpetrate oppressive actions. The situation escalated when Vincent Okafor, a Lagos-based lawyer, was arrested and remanded in prison on charges of inciting communal conflict. The arrest, allegedly orchestrated by the monarch, has sparked further outcry from the community.

Ofodile’s petitions specifically request an official investigation into the monarch’s role in the arrest and persecution of several community members, including Okafor, Theophilus Chukwu, and David Okeke, among others. The senior lawyer alleges that Igwe Nevobasi has been manipulating law enforcement to fabricate charges against individuals opposing his leadership.

The petitions also highlight past incidents where the monarch reportedly tried to weaponize government agencies by filing baseless claims, including accusations of sponsoring separatist groups. Ofodile insists that these actions are part of a broader campaign by the monarch to maintain control and silence opposition within the community.

Community members claim that under Igwe Nevobasi’s leadership, the Agunese Mmaku community has been plagued by unrest, internal conflicts, and stifled development. The monarch, who primarily resides in South Africa, is accused of neglecting the community and using his influence to suppress progress while taking credit for the efforts of others.

The lawyer has urged authorities to thoroughly investigate the monarch’s actions and the involvement of police officers in these alleged human rights violations, calling for justice for his clients and the community at large.