The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has condemned the unlawful, unconstitutional, and inhumane detention of Ozioma Elizabeth Onyeaka, along with all innocent individuals who have been wrongfully incarcerated on mere suspicion particularly those targeted because they are Igbo.

Onyeaka, arrested over five years ago in Anambra State, was secretly transferred to the notorious Wawa Military Barracks in Kainji, Niger State. For more than half a decade, she was held incommunicado denied access to legal representation, medical care, and her family, who were left to presume her dead. Her recent appearance at the Federal High Court in Ahuja revealed a citizen severely traumatized, terrified, and visibly suffering from the profound psychological and physical toll of prolonged secret detention.

As military veterans who have served to defend fundamental human rights, constitutional order, and the rule of law, AVID stated that it finds the flagrant violation of basic human rights entirely unacceptable. “Holding a civilian in secret military custody without trial for over five years violates the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and international standards governing due process and fair trial rights. Such practices strip citizens of constitutional protections and undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system,” the association said in a statement.

AVID therefore respectfully demanded that the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation must exercise his constitutional powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to enter a nolle prosequi and immediately terminate all charges against Onyeaka.

It stated that Onyeaka must be released immediately and unconditionally into the care of her family and qualified medical professionals.

“The Nigerian government must ensure adequate restitution, comprehensive medical, psychological, and rehabilitative support to address the severe trauma inflicted during her five-year illegal incarceration.

“Accountability: An independent investigation must be conducted into the circumstances surrounding her secret transfer and prolonged detention at Wawa Barracks, with all responsible officers held accountable under Nigerian and international law.

AVID calls on the international community, human rights organizations, and global civil-rights bodies to pay close attention to this case and join us in demanding justice, constitutional adherence, and fundamental respect for human dignity,” AVID said. (The Guardian)

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