The Anambra State Government has dismissed eight operatives of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group over the assault of a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor, serving in the state.
The action followed outrage over a viral video on Monday showing armed vigilante operatives, operating under the “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” security outfit, brutalising Elobor.
Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, confirmed on Tuesday that the state had also settled Elobor’s medical expenses, replaced her damaged belongings, and issued a public apology to her family and the NYSC.
Emeakayi said the dismissed operatives, who claimed they were in pursuit of suspected cultists, had acted beyond their mandate and would be handed over to the police for prosecution.
“The Soludo administration will not tolerate any form of unprofessionalism, brutality or abuse of office by security operatives. Any officer found guilty of misconduct will face immediate dismissal and prosecution,” Emeakayi stated, adding that the case would serve as a turning point in reforming community security operations across Anambra.
Attempts to confirm whether the dismissed operatives had been transferred to police custody were unsuccessful, as Police Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga did not respond to calls or messages.
NBA Demands Justice
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the attack in a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), and National Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, describing it as “inhumane” and a “direct violation of her dignity and fundamental human rights.”
“The NBA commends the Anambra State government for its swift action in identifying and arresting the operatives responsible. However, accountability must not stop at arrest. The NBA insists that the perpetrators must be promptly and diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the association said.
The NBA further called for training and reorientation of security operatives, stressing that “respect for human rights, professionalism, and restraint must be embedded in their conduct at all times.”
‘They Threatened to Rape and Kill Her’ — Lawyer
Elobor’s lawyer, Cyrus Onu, revealed chilling details of the assault, alleging that the operatives threatened to rape and kill his client.
“They (security agents) made derogatory comments, asking her who gave her the right as a lady to speak to them anyhow. They started beating her. She asked them to allow her to change into something appropriate, and they said, ‘That thing you’re trying to cover, we’ll see it today. We’ll beat you up, we’ll rape you, kill you and dump you and nobody can say anything,’” Onu said in an interview with Channels Television.
He also accused the operatives of intimidating Elobor’s colleagues and firing shots in the air when corps members were taken to the secretariat.
Onu added that his client would seek legal redress beyond the state government’s intervention.
“There must be consequences for bad behaviour. They will pay damages. We’ve written a petition to the Anambra State Government demanding prosecution, and we will follow up to ensure compensatory damages,” he stated.
