. RULAAC seeks compensation over demolished home, missing valuables
. We need time to investigate – Police , request fresh petition
By Steve Oko
UMUAHIA – Eighteen months after Mr Sunday Chikadibia and his three daughters were arrested during a controversial police operation in Abia State, the family is still awaiting a government decision on its demands for justice and compensation over the alleged demolition of their home and loss of property.
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, which has pursued the case, is demanding an investigation into the April 12, 2025 operation, restitution for missing valuables and cash, and assistance to enable the family rebuild its life.
RULAAC in a statement by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, yesterday demanded the disclosure of the investigation’s findings, accountability for any officials found culpable, compensation for the demolished home and the recovery or restitution of missing property and money.
It also sought a thorough investigation into the alleged removal and sharing of the victims’ cash, including an examination of relevant police records and financial transactions.
Chikadibia and his daughters, Glory, Ngozi and Ogechi, are from Mbaise in Imo State but residents of Alaukwu in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State.
According to the family, the operation began when one of the daughters, a slippers trader, was allegedly lured to a meeting with a purported supplier and arrested by plain cloth detectives.
Her sister was subsequently summoned and taken away before operatives moved to their family home, where their father and another daughter were arrested.
The family alleged that the operatives broke into rooms, removed cash and household belongings, and demolished the house without presenting relevant warrants or providing an inventory of the items seized.
The missing property reportedly included electronics, laptops, a generator, furniture, clothing, land documents and construction tools.
The family also alleged that substantial sums were withdrawn from their bank accounts while they were in custody. The claims have yet to be independently verified.
Confirming the allegations in a phone interview with Vanguard, one of the victims, Glory Sunday Nwamaka claimed that over N3.5 million was withdrawal from their bank accounts, adding that details of the brutality meted out to them were contained in their statements.
The family members were arraigned on May 13, 2025, before Chief Magistrate Court 1, Aba North, in Charge No. MAN/114C/2025, over allegations relating to kidnapping, murder, armed robbery, terrorism and conspiracy.
A subsequent High Court case was identified as Charge No. HU/8C/2025 before the High Court at Obehie.
Following sustained advocacy by RULAAC and media attention, government intervention eventually led to their release.
However, the organisation insists that their release has not resolved questions surrounding their arrest, detention, prosecution, the alleged demolition or the missing property.
The family’s ordeal was compounded by the death of their mother, Mrs Chioma Chikadibia, on August 8, 2025.
The family attributed her distress and deteriorating health to the events, although an independent medical determination would be required to establish a direct causal link.
On March 6, 2026, RULAAC petitioned Governor Alex Otti, seeking compensation for the demolished home, restitution for missing property and money, housing assistance, educational support for Ogechi and psychosocial assistance for the surviving family members.
Following a further appeal, the Abia State Ministry of Justice requested additional information, which RULAAC supplied on July 29.
At a meeting with the Ministry’s Citizens’ Rights Department on August 4, the family’s lawyer reportedly presented the allegations and supporting information.
The Ministry according to RULAAC, requested photographs of the demolished property, bank statements relating to the alleged withdrawals and a list of missing items.
RULAAC said the requested materials were subsequently submitted.
However, the organisation said no formal decision had been communicated as of September 5. The family’s lawyer returned to the Ministry on October 6 to seek an update.
RULLAC urged Abia State Government and relevant agencies of Government to intervene and get justice for the Chikadibia family.
It also demanded immediate prosecution of the police personnel involved in the act.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka, said she had no details about the matter but added that it needed to be properly investigated.
She said that time had passed since the incident reportedly occurred, adding that “if they are alleging anything, they have to write to the command”.
“Time has passed. I have to make inquiries. The affected officers or even the DPO must have gone on transfer since 2025. They should write to the Command for proper investigation to commence”.
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