Lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor Alleges Unlawful Arrest, Detention of Citizens by Anambra Government Without Trial
In a bold and impassioned statement released on March 14, 2025, renowned legal practitioner, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has made serious allegations against the Anambra State Government, accusing the state authorities of unlawfully arresting and detaining citizens without trial. According to Ejiofor, these individuals have been held in a private facility under the control of the state government for a period of five weeks, with no charges filed against them or any legal proceedings initiated.
The claims have sparked a heated debate in the state, with human rights advocates, political analysts, and citizens questioning the legality of such actions and the apparent lack of transparency in the state’s security operations. Ejiofor, in his statement, vehemently criticized the Anambra State Government for violating the fundamental rights of its citizens, particularly in instances where the detained individuals have not been presented before a court of law.
Ejiofor, a respected lawyer and activist known for his advocacy on civil liberties and justice, was quick to point out that the alleged detentions were not being carried out by any official security agency like the police or the Department of State Services (DSS), but rather by an undisclosed, private facility controlled by the state government. This, he argued, raised serious questions about the legitimacy of the detentions and the overall security practices of the state government.
“These individuals are being held in a private facility that is allegedly under the control of the state government. There has been no explanation or legal proceedings to justify their detention. This is a clear violation of their fundamental rights and a flagrant disregard for the rule of law,” Ejiofor remarked in his statement.
The lawyer emphasized that the rights of these individuals, like those of all citizens, should be upheld at all times, and no one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention. Under Nigerian law, individuals who are arrested must be informed of the charges against them, and if they are not charged within a reasonable time frame, they should be granted bail or released. However, these procedures appear to have been ignored in this case, according to Ejiofor.
One of the most alarming aspects of the situation, as highlighted by Ejiofor, is the lack of transparency surrounding the matter. Despite repeated inquiries by various stakeholders, including the families of the detained individuals, there has been no official statement or explanation from the Anambra State Government regarding the detentions.
“This lack of transparency is deeply concerning,” Ejiofor said. “The citizens of Anambra deserve to know why their fellow citizens are being detained, who authorized the detentions, and whether any legal procedures are being followed.”
Ejiofor stressed that the government must act in accordance with the principles of due process and respect for human rights. He called for a public explanation from the Anambra State Government, insisting that the authorities clarify the legal basis for the detentions and provide assurances that the rights of the detainees will be respected.
“Anambra is a civilised state, and we must lead by example,” Ejiofor stated. “When citizens are arrested for any alleged offense, they must be handed over to the appropriate security agencies, investigated, and, if necessary, charged to court within the legally stipulated time frame when a prima facie case is established.”
In his statement, Ejiofor also addressed the broader issue of security in Anambra State, emphasizing the importance of citizen participation in combatting insecurity. While acknowledging the role of the state’s security agencies in maintaining peace and order, Ejiofor reminded the government that combating crime requires collaboration between the state authorities and the people. He also reiterated his longstanding support for the Anambra State Government’s Agụnechemba security outfit, which has been instrumental in improving security in the state.
However, Ejiofor was quick to caution that security measures must be carried out with respect for the rule of law and human rights. He made it clear that while security operations may sometimes require tough measures, they must always adhere to the legal framework and respect the basic rights of citizens.
“Security is a collective responsibility,” Ejiofor declared. “I have always championed active citizen participation in combating insecurity by providing credible intelligence to security agencies. But this must be done within the confines of the law, respecting the rights of individuals and ensuring that no one is unjustly detained or deprived of their liberty.”
Ejiofor’s call for professional conduct and adherence to human rights principles comes at a time when concerns over the use of excessive force by security agencies and the potential abuse of power by state actors have been growing across Nigeria. His remarks are a timely reminder of the need for a balanced approach to security—one that upholds the law while also safeguarding the freedoms of individuals.
Throughout his career, Ejiofor has been a vocal advocate for justice, human rights, and the rule of law. He has long criticized abuses of power by both state and federal authorities and has spoken out against the unlawful treatment of citizens in various parts of Nigeria. His latest comments regarding the detentions in Anambra State must be understood in this context—his unwavering commitment to justice and his refusal to allow any form of illegal or unethical practices to go unchecked.
Ejiofor also reflected on his own experiences as an advocate for human rights, recalling the risks he has faced due to his outspoken stance on security matters in Nigeria. He noted that intelligence reports had indicated several threats to his life due to his vocal criticism of criminal activities and his calls for action against criminals masquerading as political agitators.
“I am fully aware that intelligence reports indicated several plots to eliminate me, yet I remained steadfast, trusting in God’s protection,” Ejiofor remarked, acknowledging the dangers that human rights advocates often face in the course of their work. His resilience in the face of such threats serves as a testament to his dedication to his cause.
The primary focus of Ejiofor’s statement remains the unlawful detentions in Anambra State. In his closing remarks, he emphasized that the Anambra State Government must take immediate action to rectify the situation. Specifically, Ejiofor called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained individuals if no evidence of wrongdoing is found.
“If, however, these detainees are not under investigation but undergoing rehabilitation, the state government has an obligation to inform the public,” Ejiofor said. “If no incriminating evidence has been found against them, they must be released immediately and unconditionally.”
Ejiofor’s call for transparency and accountability is rooted in the fundamental principles of justice and fairness. He believes that no one should be deprived of their liberty without a clear legal basis and that the state must act in accordance with the law. His statement is a call to action for both the Anambra State Government and the wider Nigerian society to uphold the principles of human rights and ensure that citizens are treated with dignity and respect.
The allegations made by Ejiofor have wider implications for the state of human rights and governance in Nigeria. The case highlights the increasing concerns over the abuse of power by state governments and the potential for the erosion of citizens’ rights. It also raises important questions about the role of security agencies in safeguarding the rule of law and protecting the rights of individuals.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of security and human rights, the need for greater accountability and transparency in governance has never been more pressing. Ejiofor’s call for adherence to due process and respect for human rights should be seen as part of a broader movement toward ensuring that the rights of all Nigerians are protected under the law, regardless of their background or status.
The case in Anambra State is just one example of the challenges faced by citizens in a country where human rights abuses by state and non-state actors are still a significant concern. It serves as a reminder that the rule of law must always be upheld and that the government, at all levels, has a responsibility to ensure that its actions are consistent with the principles of justice and fairness.
In conclusion, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s allegations against the Anambra State Government regarding the unlawful arrest and detention of citizens are grave and must be taken seriously. The government is urged to act promptly, releasing the detained individuals if no charges have been brought against them and providing a full explanation to the public. The situation is a test of the government’s commitment to justice and human rights, and it is imperative that the rule of law is respected in the handling of such matters.
Ejiofor’s call for transparency, due process, and the protection of citizens’ rights is a vital reminder of the importance of upholding justice in all facets of governance. The government of Anambra State must address these concerns swiftly and transparently to maintain the public’s trust and ensure that the state continues to be a beacon of good governance in Nigeria.
