His arrest followed allegations that he had accused the Ebonyi State government of ignoring a warning issued by the OYC about a potential attack on Amegu Nkalaha community in the Ishielu Local Government Area of the state.

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has condemned the denial of bail and alleged rights violations of its President, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, by the Magistrate Court in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State.

The OYC also expressed concern over Igboayaka’s health following the court’s decision on Wednesday, after weeks of detention and alleged abduction, which the council claims was orchestrated by the Ebonyi State government under Governor Francis Nwifuru.

Igboayaka was arrested on February 8 in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, shortly after winning a second term as OYC President.

His arrest followed allegations that he had accused the Ebonyi State government of ignoring a warning issued by the OYC about a potential attack on Amegu Nkalaha community in the Ishielu Local Government Area of the state.

The attack, which took place four days later, claimed the lives of at least 16 people.

According to INC President Godsent, Igboayaka was abducted in what he described as a “neo-Mafia Gestapo-style operation” during his victory celebration in Owerri. 

He was later traced to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ebonyi State Police Command.

Reports indicate that while in detention, he suffered physical abuse and deteriorating health, prompting an emergency medical intervention after civil society groups raised concerns.

On February 12, while his legal team awaited further details at the Ebonyi State Police Command, police operatives allegedly transferred Igboayaka from the clinic where he was receiving treatment to the Magistrate Court in Abakaliki. 

He was then arraigned on charges of felony and causing public fear in the Amegu Nkalaha community. 

Following his arraignment, he was remanded at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre.

During the court proceedings on Wednesday, Magistrate S.N. Ifeanyi Oyibe initially stated that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear Igboayaka’s case.

However, she later acknowledged her authority to grant bail upon the request of Igboayaka’s legal counsel.

Despite this, she denied the application and adjourned the case to March 12, 2025.

The absence of the prosecution team in court was noted as a key concern, leading the magistrate to grant additional time for their appearance.

Amid growing fears over Igboayaka’s health, he has been remanded in Ebonyi State prison for another 14 days.

The Ohaneze Youth Council has raised alarms over his deteriorating condition, alleging that he was subjected to torture by members of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Nigeria Police, Ebonyi State Command, following his arrest.

The council has called for his immediate release, citing concerns for his safety and well-being.

Igboayaka’s legal team has strongly criticized the prosecution’s handling of the case, describing it as a deliberate attempt to victimize their client and violate his fundamental human rights.

The team argues that the prosecution’s absence in court further underscores a lack of commitment to due process and justice.

The development has sparked public outrage, with many questioning the motives behind Igboayaka’s detention.

The Ohaneze Youth Council has accused the Ebonyi State government of orchestrating his ordeal in retaliation for his vocal criticism of the administration’s response to Fulani attacks in the state.

As the legal battle continues, concerns over Igboayaka’s health and the fairness of the judicial process remain pressing.

The Ohaneze Youth Council has called on national and international human rights organizations to intervene, urging global attention on what they describe as a politically motivated persecution.

The unfolding situation underscores broader concerns about human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.

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