Ohanaeze Youth Leader Arrested, Not Abducted, Say Police

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Igboayaka Igboayaka, following reports that he was abducted in Owerri, Imo State.

The incident, which occurred around 7 p.m. on Saturday, was initially described as an abduction by the President of the Igbo National Council (INC), Chilos Godsent. INC, a global association of Igbos, had raised concerns over the leader’s disappearance, and reports suggested that those responsible operated in vehicles resembling those of security operatives.

However, in a statement on Monday, the spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, Joshua Ukandu, clarified that Mr. Igboayaka was arrested, not abducted. He explained that the arrest followed a petition alleging that the youth leader was spreading false information capable of disrupting peace and destabilizing communities in the state. Ukandu did not disclose the petitioner’s identity but confirmed that Igboayaka would face charges once investigations were concluded.

There has been speculation that the arrest stemmed from a petition linked to Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, allegedly due to comments made by Mr. Igboayaka regarding recent killings in Amegu, Nkalagha Community. However, Ebonyi State’s Commissioner for Information, Jude Chikadibia, dismissed these claims. He stated that the governor had no involvement in the arrest, emphasizing that the Office of the Governor had more pressing matters to attend to.

Authorities have yet to release further details about the allegations against Mr. Igboayaka, but the police insist that due process is being followed.