The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the detention of Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, the National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), following his arrest in connection with a petition filed against him.
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting that Igboayaka had been abducted by unknown gunmen, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, issued a statement on Monday clarifying that Igboayaka was lawfully arrested. The arrest came after a petition, submitted to the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, accused him of spreading false information that could incite unrest and destabilize communities.
Ukandu stated that investigations into the matter are ongoing and that Igboayaka will be charged in court once due process is followed.
The arrest took place on Saturday night at Ochez Suites, Works Layout, Owerri, shortly after Igboayaka was declared the winner of the OYC presidential election. Initially, witnesses believed Igboayaka had been kidnapped, as the law enforcement officers who took him into custody arrived in unmarked vehicles.
Comrade David C. Ani, a witness to the arrest, later confirmed that Igboayaka is being held at the Ebonyi State Police Command headquarters in Abakaliki. According to Ani, the state government is seeking clarification on recent statements made by Igboayaka regarding alleged attacks by herdsmen in the Amegu village of Nkalaha community, Ishielu Local Government Area.
Prior to his arrest, Igboayaka had issued a statement on February 4, warning of a potential attack by suspected herdsmen in Ebonyi State. He claimed that the OYC’s Directorate of Intelligence had alerted Governor Francis Nwifuru about the threat. Igboayaka criticized the governor’s response, accusing him of inaction in the face of escalating security concerns posed by Fulani herdsmen.
The OYC president also took aim at South-East governors, accusing them of failing to address the region’s security crisis. He particularly criticized Governor Nwifuru, warning that the continued negligence could lead to further loss of life.
While the Ebonyi State government has not disputed Igboayaka’s detention, it has called for an explanation of the source of his intelligence regarding the herdsmen attacks.
As investigations continue, tensions remain high, with supporters of the OYC president demanding his immediate release. The situation is expected to develop further as the investigation progresses.
