The Igbo National Council (INC) has strongly condemned the recent detention of Chief Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, a prominent leader of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, by the Nigerian Police Force. The INC has called for his immediate and unconditional release, describing the arrest as an affront to the rights of the Igbo people and a blatant abuse of power.
Chief Igboayaka, a vocal advocate for the rights and interests of the Igbo community, was reportedly detained on Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State, under circumstances that remain unclear. According to sources close to the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the arrest was linked to his recent public statements criticizing government policies and calling for greater equity and justice for the Igbo people. The police have yet to issue an official statement detailing the reasons for his detention.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the INC expressed deep concern over the arrest, labeling it as an attempt to silence dissent and intimidate Igbo leaders. “The detention of Chief Igboayaka is not only an attack on his person but also a direct assault on the collective voice of the Igbo nation,” the statement read. “We demand his immediate release and call on the Nigerian government to respect the fundamental rights of all citizens, including the right to free speech and peaceful assembly.”
The INC further emphasized that Chief Igboayaka’s arrest is part of a broader pattern of marginalization and repression faced by the Igbo people. “For too long, the Igbo nation has been subjected to systemic injustice and exclusion. The arrest of our leaders only serves to exacerbate these grievances and deepen the divide,” the statement continued.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people, has also condemned the detention, urging the police to adhere to the rule of law and due process. “Chief Igboayaka is a respected leader who has consistently advocated for peace, justice, and equity. His arrest is unwarranted and unacceptable,” said a spokesperson for the organization. “We call on the authorities to release him without delay and to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to intimidation.”
Human rights organizations and civil society groups have joined the call for Chief Igboayaka’s release, warning that such actions undermine democracy and fuel tensions in the country. “The detention of a prominent leader like Chief Igboayaka sends a chilling message to all Nigerians who seek to hold their government accountable,” said a representative of a leading human rights group. “We urge the government to prioritize dialogue and inclusivity over repression.”
As the outcry grows, many are watching to see how the authorities will respond. The INC has vowed to mobilize its members and allies across the country to demand justice for Chief Igboayaka and to push for greater recognition of the rights of the Igbo people. “We will not be silenced,” the INC statement concluded. “The Igbo nation stands united in the face of oppression, and we will continue to fight for our rightful place in Nigeria.”
The detention of Chief Igboayaka has once again brought to the fore the delicate balance between national security and the protection of civil liberties. As calls for his release grow louder, the Nigerian government faces mounting pressure to address the underlying issues of marginalization and to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
