Enugu community protests monarch’s alleged harassment, intimidation - Punch Newspapers

Tens of indigenes of Agunese Mmaku Autonomous Community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State have protested at the Government House, Enugu, demanding Governor Peter Mbah’s intervention over alleged intimidation, harassment and abuse of office by their traditional ruler, HRH Cyprian Maduabuchi Nevobasi. The protesters marched from Okpara Square to the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs before proceeding to the Government House, where they demanded the suspension of the monarch pending an investigation into the allegations. The protesters accused Nevobasi of interfering in town union affairs, frustrating electoral processes and using his influence to intimidate or cause the arrest of community members. The allegations were contained in a September 23, 2026 petition signed by the community’s Legal Adviser, Vincent Okafor, and submitted to the governor. The allegations have not been independently verified, while the traditional ruler was not available for comment at the time of filing this report. The protesters alleged that the crisis surrounding the traditional stool had persisted for more than two decades, resulting in deaths and prolonged disputes in the community. “Since Cyprian Maduabuchi Nevobasi forced himself on the throne of our community, over two decades ago, the community has known no peace,” the petition stated. The community alleged that two people, including late Chief Festus Akpu and a minor, Chidiebere Ogbonna, died in incidents connected to the crisis. It further claimed that the incidents were reported to the police but were not satisfactorily resolved.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google The protesters said the crisis intensified in 2021 when 16 young indigenes formed the Agunese Way Forward Initiative to address what they described as longstanding problems in the community. According to the petition, the group raised N6m to support the emergence of a new town union executive. The protesters alleged that after the group’s activities became public, a voice note purportedly from the palace circulated in which Nevobasi allegedly threatened its members. They further alleged that a town union election scheduled for December 30, 2021, was disrupted by the traditional ruler. The petition claimed that subsequent petitions were written against some community members, accusing them of links with unknown gunmen, the Eastern Security Network and the Indigenous People of Biafra. The community alleged that several indigenes were subsequently arrested and detained for prolonged periods. It cited the cases of Engineer Theophilus Chukwu, Okafor, musician David Okeke, Emmanuel Uwa Okeke and Ifeanyi Christopher Okeke. “Currently, sir, Chief Ifeanyi Christopher Okeke has been languishing in the Enugu prison since the 30th day of November 2025 on allegation of murder that never happened,” the petition stated. The community alleged that the case was connected to his relationship with another indigene. The protesters said the latest crisis occurred on September 18, 2026, when an election was scheduled to elect a new town union executive. They alleged that the incumbent President-General, Chief Simeon Okike; Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Euzebus Okolo; and Secretary, Richard Ukekwe, were abducted and taken to an unknown location. The protesters further alleged that a voice note circulating on community WhatsApp platforms indicated that the abduction was intended to prevent the election from taking place. They said plans were subsequently made to constitute a caretaker committee. “This ugly event is the second time that Cyprian Maduabuchi Nevobasi is truncating a peaceful democratic process in our community,” the petition stated. The protesters also questioned the traditional ruler’s alleged residency in South Africa, arguing that it was inconsistent with what they described as the requirements of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Law. They called for the release of community members they said remained in detention and urged the government to ensure that due process was followed in all cases. “Where any person is suspected of a crime, the appropriate constitutional and legal procedure is investigation, charge where sufficient evidence exists, and trial before a competent court—not indefinite detention,” the petition stated. The protesters demanded the immediate suspension of Nevobasi to allow an independent investigation into the allegations. “We humbly urge you, sir, to come to the aid of my town, Agunese Mmaku Autonomous Community, by suspending the Igwe to allow for an investigation into all of our complaints to determine his guilt or absolution to avert possible bloodshed,” the petition stated. Placards displayed during the protest included, “Due Process Not Intimidation,” “Suspend the IGWE Pending Investigation,” “Justice, Due Process for Agunese” and “Save Our Soul.” Addressing journalists, Okafor and the outgoing community chairman, Chief Nathaniel Mgbudike, reiterated the allegations and urged the governor to intervene before the crisis escalated. The protesters said their demands were aimed at restoring peace and confidence in the traditional and community leadership structures. Raphael Ede

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