Following the launch of operation Udo-Gachi in Anambra State, over 40 traditional worshippers have been detained by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration for more than two months without trial.
This was revealed in a special report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety).
The report, which was signed by Intersociety’s Lead Researcher and Head, Emeka Umeagbalasi, stated that the detained individuals had been held in an illegal detention facility, known as the State Militias’ Lion House in Awka, the state capital.
The group vehemently berated Soludo’s government for failing to uphold constitutional rights and legal due process.
Intersociety said, “Governor Charles Soludo and his government, having failed a litmus test of being responsible, human rights and freedom of religion or worship respecter Government, has lost legal and moral grounds to continue to detain without investigation, charge and trial of the over 40 detained traditional worshippers held illegally in an illegal detention facility (State Militias’ Lion House at Awka) for more than 60 days.”
Also, the report pinpointed that the prolonged detention of the traditional worshippers far exceeds Nigeria’s constitutional limits of 24 to 48 hours, or a maximum of 60 days if detained by law enforcement for offences carrying capital punishment.
It argued that the governor lacks the power to detain individuals in militias’ custodial facilities through “Remand Orders” or “Holden Charges.”
Group further argued that the detained individuals have been wrongfully accused of engaging in “fetish and demonic religious practices and violent crimes,” thereby subjecting them to public humiliation and danger.
The report insisted that the arrested individuals, including notable figures such as Chigozie Nwangwu (“AKWA OKUKO TIWARA AKI”), Abuchi Ikechukwu Okafor, and Chijindu Nwaeze, should be released unconditionally as there is no valid legal case against them.
“Following the failure of Gov Charles Soludo led Government of Anambra State to ensure due process and rule of law in the instant case; and having controversially labeled, lampooned, ridiculed, humiliated and degraded them by publicly portraying them as those involved in ‘fetish and demonic religious practices and violent crimes’.
“In addition to exposing them to public ridicule and danger, the over 40 arrested and detained native doctors who have been illegally detained without investigation and charge or court trial for over 60 days have no case to answer as it stands and in the eyes of extant criminal laws and their procedures governed by Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
“Their lawyers and family members should take the advocacy notice of the above by rising to the occasion,” the report noted, emphasising that the detainees’ rights must be upheld in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution.
Intersociety faulted Soludo’s reported imposition of a ban on open gospel preaching in the state.
It recalled that during a visit to Ochanja Market in Onitsha in March, Governor Soludo announced that individuals found engaging in open-air evangelism would be arrested and fined N500,000.
The civil society group likened these actions to the draconian State Detention of Persons Decree 2 of 1984, enacted during Nigeria’s military rule, which allowed for indefinite detention without trial.
“Governor Charles Soludo had also on March 8, 2025, banned open gospel preaching in the State and imposed arrest and fine of N500,000 on those engaging in it.
“The Gov made the ban during his recent visit to Ochanja Market in Onitsha.
“This above is also nothing short of a clear manifestation of the dictatorial and tyrannical State Detention of Persons Decree 2 of 1984 of the Nigerian military’s inglorious epoch.”
The organisation has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained traditional worshippers, urging legal representatives and civil rights groups to intervene.
It further criticised Governor Soludo for what it described as a pattern of authoritarian governance, including restrictions on religious practices.
However, as pressure continue to mount on the Anambra State government, human rights advocates continue to demand justice and adherence to constitutional provisions regarding due process and freedom of worship.
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