A civic organisation, Oganihu, has called on security authorities to urgently address alleged extortion, harassment and arbitrary detention at checkpoints across the South-East.
The group, which describes itself as a non-partisan platform of Igbo professionals and concerned citizens, said security personnel must be held accountable for abuses committed in the course of their duties.
Oganihu made the demand in a statement issued on Monday by its Co-chair, Prof Chijioke Uwasomba; Secretary, Uzodimma Nwogbe; and Advocacy Coordinator, Okechukwu Nwanguma.
While recognising the constitutional responsibility of security agencies to protect lives and property, particularly amid rising cases of kidnapping and armed attacks, the organisation said security operations must not be used to violate citizens’ rights.
It raised concerns over the proliferation of checkpoints, alleged routine extortion of motorists and commercial transport operators, prolonged detention of suspects and the non-implementation of recommendations from previous inquiries into insecurity and violence in the region.
The group said complaints from motorists, farmers, traders, transporters and civil society organisations had continued to highlight alleged abuses on roads across the region.
It referred to reports of alleged police extortion on South-East roads in July 2026, as well as an investigation launched by the Enugu State Police Command in April following allegations of extortion around Nsukka.
Oganihu also cited the concern raised by the House of Representatives in October 2025 over the deployment of unidentified and improperly dressed security personnel at checkpoints.
It subsequently called on the Inspector-General of Police, military authorities and other security agencies to undertake a comprehensive audit of checkpoints across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.
According to the group, the audit should determine the location, operational justification, authorisation and personnel assigned to every checkpoint.
It demanded that checkpoints found to have no legitimate security purpose be dismantled, while security personnel caught demanding or collecting money from road users should face disciplinary measures and, where warranted, criminal prosecution.
The organisation stressed that security checks do not suspend citizens’ constitutional rights to dignity and freedom of movement.
It also called on the five South-East governors to use their oversight powers to demand improved professionalism and accountability from security agencies operating in their respective states.
Oganihu said any state funding or logistical assistance given to federal security agencies should be transparent and tied to clear standards on professionalism, human rights and accountability.
Concern over prolonged detention
The group separately expressed concern over reports that some residents of the South-East arrested during security operations had allegedly been detained for prolonged periods at Wawa Barracks in Niger State and other military facilities.
Referencing Amnesty International’s 2025 documentation on alleged torture and poor detention conditions involving detainees transferred from the South-East, Oganihu demanded a transparent register of all persons currently being held in connection with security operations.
It wants authorities to disclose the names of detainees, dates and locations of their arrests, the agencies holding them, their legal status and any charges against them.
Oganihu insisted that suspects should be prosecuted before competent courts where sufficient evidence exists or released where no adequate basis exists for continued detention.
It further demanded that detainees’ families be informed and that those in custody have unhindered access to lawyers.
Anambra truth commission report
Oganihu also asked the Anambra State Government to provide an update on the implementation of recommendations contained in the report of the state’s Truth, Justice and Peace Commission.
The commission, established by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, investigated the causes and patterns of agitation, violence and victimisation in Anambra and the wider South-East.
Among its recommendations were measures for documenting missing and disappeared persons and improving the professionalisation and coordination of vigilante services.
The group recalled that Soludo received the commission’s final report in March 2024 and promised prompt implementation.
It urged the government to disclose which recommendations had been implemented, which remained outstanding and when the pending recommendations would be addressed.
Call to revisit 2002 killings
The organisation also demanded the reopening of investigations into the 2002 murders of former Onitsha branch chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barrister Barnabas Igwe, and his wife, Abigail.
The demand follows renewed public controversy over historical allegations involving Ken Emeakayi, currently serving as Special Adviser on Security to Governor Soludo.
Oganihu acknowledged that the Anambra Government had rejected allegations against Emeakayi, stressing that it was not declaring him guilty.
It nevertheless maintained that any credible evidence against any individual, irrespective of political affiliation or public office, should be properly investigated and subjected to due judicial process.
The group said it would continue its campaign through engagement with state governments, Houses of Assembly, the National Assembly, civil society organisations, professional bodies, transport unions and community groups.
It said the objective was to document alleged abuses, press for institutional accountability and pursue appropriate legal remedies where necessary.
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