The Ebonyi Democratic Movement (EDM) has threatened to mobilise one million Nigerians for a peaceful nationwide protest at the Force Headquarters in Abuja over the continued detention of opposition figures in Ebonyi State without trial within the time prescribed by law.
The group said the alleged detentions and reported disappearance of a hotel proprietor raised serious concerns about democratic freedoms, the rule of law and the fundamental rights of citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
Key Highlights
- The Ebonyi Democratic Movement threatens a nationwide protest involving one million Nigerians.
- The group alleges that opposition figures in Ebonyi State have been detained without trial within the time prescribed by law.
- It demands a review of the detention of PDP State Woman Leader Chinyere Nwele and Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam.
- The group seeks clarification on the reported disappearance of Jimoh Abu, proprietor of Jimoh Hotels in Abakaliki.
- EDM calls for an independent investigation and the redeployment of the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police.
- The group says it will petition the authorities and mobilise civil society organisations if its demands are not addressed.
Ebonyi Democratic Movement Raises Alarm Over Detentions
The group made its position known in a statement issued on Thursday by its chairman, Chief Emmanuel Igwe, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki.
EDM expressed concern over the reported continued detention of Mrs Chinyere Nwele, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Woman Leader, and Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, who it said had remained in detention for more than a month.
It also raised concerns over the alleged disappearance of Jimoh Abu, proprietor of Jimoh Hotels in Abakaliki, demanding an urgent explanation from the relevant authorities regarding his whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his reported disappearance.
The group said it did not condone corruption, embezzlement of public funds, cyberstalking, cyberbullying or any other criminal conduct. However, it maintained that allegations of criminal offences should be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
According to EDM, an allegation does not amount to a conviction, and no citizen should be subjected to indefinite detention, political intimidation or punishment before trial.
Group Accuses Authorities of Possible Abuse of Criminal Justice System
EDM expressed concern over allegations that some opposition members, particularly PDP members, were facing multiple criminal charges before magistrates’ courts that might lack jurisdiction to hear the substantive offences.
The group alleged that such proceedings could prolong detention while cases before courts with the appropriate jurisdiction, where bail applications could be considered, were avoided.
It warned that, if established, such practices would amount to an abuse of the judicial process and could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
“The courts must never become instruments for settling political scores or suppressing legitimate opposition,” the group said.
EDM urged the Ebonyi State Government and relevant security agencies to respect political pluralism and protect the constitutional rights of all citizens.
It added that membership of an opposition party should not be treated as an offence and called on authorities to ensure that criminal allegations were handled through lawful procedures.
The group’s allegations have not been independently verified, and no response from the Ebonyi State Government or the state police command was available at the time of filing this report.
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EDM Demands Review of Detained Opposition Members’ Cases
The group called for an urgent review of the detention of Nwele, Mbam and other opposition members reportedly held in custody.
It also demanded that authorities clarify the whereabouts of Abu and explain the circumstances surrounding his reported disappearance.
EDM said that where investigations had established grounds for prosecution, the affected individuals should be brought promptly before courts with the appropriate jurisdiction and within the time prescribed by law.
The group further called for judicial independence, insisting that courts should be allowed to determine bail applications without political interference.
It urged security agencies to avoid actions that could be interpreted as political persecution, intimidation or selective enforcement of the law.
One Million Nigerians Threatened for Abuja Protest
EDM warned that it would mobilise one million Nigerians for a peaceful, lawful and coordinated protest at the Force Headquarters in Abuja if the affected individuals were neither released in accordance with the law nor charged before courts of competent jurisdiction.
The group said the proposed demonstration would seek the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, an independent investigation into the reported detentions and disappearance, and the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State to allow for an impartial investigation.
It said it was prepared to mobilise civil society organisations, human rights defenders, political stakeholders and other concerned Nigerians to demand accountability.
“Our protest will be peaceful, constitutional and resolute,” the group stated.
EDM maintained that it opposed criminality but would not tolerate what it described as the weaponisation of criminal allegations against political opponents.
Group Calls on Human Rights Commission, NBA to Intervene
The group appealed to the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society organisations and other democratic institutions to intervene.
It urged the institutions to examine the reported developments and help ensure that the fundamental rights of the affected citizens were protected.
EDM said the protection of civil liberties and the right to a fair hearing were essential to democratic governance, adding that Ebonyi State belonged to all residents regardless of political party, ethnic background or ideological differences.
The group called on the relevant authorities to address its concerns through transparent and lawful processes to prevent further tension and restore public confidence in the state’s policing and justice systems.
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