Police Free Suspected APC Attackers,Jail Man Who Filmed Shooting

In a move that has ignited fierce accusations of bias and political persecution, the Enugu State Police Command has released suspected gunmen and their alleged sponsors linked to a bloody September attack on opposition party members—while remanding the man who filmed and publicised the violence.

Ani Samuel Chidi, a 45-year-old member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was secretly arraigned on Monday, 5 October 2026, before Chief Magistrate F.E. Chukwu at the Enugu East Magistrate’s Court in Nkwo Nike. He faces three counts of cybercrime and criminal defamation under Section 24(2)(a) and (c)(i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended 2024). The charge sheet, marked MEE/151c/2026, alleges that Chidi published video footage and statements on WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and SaharaReporters identifying three men—Ani Nnabuike, Solomon Ifeanyi and Monday Anninwe—as part of the armed group that stormed an NDC ward meeting. Prosecutors claim the publications were false and placed the named individuals in fear of public attack. Police prosecutor Ajogwu secured an order remanding Chidi in prison custody pending further proceedings.

The case stems from the 12 September 2026 attack at Obuoffia Awkunanaw (also referred to as Ihuani Awkunanaw or Ndiuno-Obuoffia) in Nkanu West Local Government Area. Armed men invaded a monthly NDC ward meeting—held in the hometown of the party’s governorship candidate, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa—opening fire on attendees and destroying canopies, chairs and campaign materials. The NDC later named eight members who sustained gunshot injuries: Onovo Donald Ekene (ward councillor, shot in the head, neck, leg and hand), Ngene Godwin Madueke (ward chairman), Ogbodo Gloria, Onovo Victor, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nnaemeka Nelson, Chinonso Nwagbara and Obinna Daniel Owo. Some victims reportedly still carried bullets in their bodies days later and required surgery.

A video of the assault, widely circulated online, captured the moment the gunmen disrupted the gathering while members sang and listened to a speaker. The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the incident at the time, stating that armed hoodlums had fired sporadically and injured two people. Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to book. A separate attack the same day on a Peoples Democratic Party rally in Agbani, where hoodlums destroyed campaign materials, was also acknowledged.

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Subsequent arrests ordered by the Inspector-General of Police and carried out by Zone 13 detectives in Anambra State netted a traditional ruler, Igwe Obiora Igwesi; his brother, former federal lawmaker Hon. Uchenna Sunday A. Igwesi (popularly known as USA Igwesi); and eight others. The suspects faced allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, attempted murder, assault occasioning grievous harm, threatening violence and stealing. The NDC had petitioned the IGP, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring the thugs.

Yet according to reports and NDC claims, those arrested suspects and their alleged sponsors have now been released by police in Enugu State and at Zone 13 Headquarters. Instead, authorities turned their focus on Chidi—the man whose footage helped expose the violence. The opposition party has condemned the development as a “sinister plot” to silence a key witness and “weaponise state machinery.” In a strongly worded statement, the NDC accused Governor Peter Mbah’s administration of shielding political thugs and rushing to defend the accused rather than seeking justice for the victims. The party demanded that the Nigeria Police Force distance itself from the prosecution and conduct an independent investigation into the Obuoffia attack.

The APC has previously denied any link to the violence, describing NDC allegations as unsubstantiated and politically motivated, while affirming the state government’s commitment to peace and security. Police have not publicly detailed the reasons for the suspects’ release or responded specifically to the latest NDC accusations beyond the charges filed against Chidi.

As Chidi remains in custody and the eight injured NDC members recover, the episode has deepened concerns over political violence, selective justice and the treatment of opposition voices ahead of the 2027 elections in Enugu State.