By Tony Okafor, Awka
Security operatives of the Anambra State-backed Agunechemba group have arrested an Nnobi-based native doctor, Mr. Chijioke Okaa, following a petition by a United States retired soldier and human rights activist, Mr. Bonaventure Ezekwenna.
The arrest, confirmed by the Agunechemba Public Relations Officer, Comrade Nweke Nweke, was carried out after Mr. Ezekwenna petitioned the state governor through the Special Adviser on Security, Mr. Ken Emekaiyi.
According to reports, Mr. Okaa, who hails from Awuda village, allegedly enticed individuals into a purported religious structure in the community under the guise of mediating disputes or exposing criminal actors.
Residents accuse him of using such influence to unlawfully acquire land belonging to members of the community.
Mr. Ezekwenna, who served in the U.S. Army before returning to Nigeria, alleged that the native doctor’s actions have left many victims dispossessed of their ancestral property.
He further claimed that Okaa engaged security personnel to frustrate attempts by aggrieved individuals to reclaim their lands, and at one point allegedly plotted a kidnapping during a court proceeding.
Speaking with journalists, Comrade Nweke confirmed that the suspect voluntarily honoured an invitation by the security outfit for questioning.
He added that the matter remains under preliminary investigation and will be referred to the appropriate authorities for further action.
“This arrest followed a formal petition and the matter is now under review. We cannot provide detailed comment until investigations are concluded,” Comrade Nweke stated.
Meanwhile, tension remains high in parts of Nnobi as residents await the outcome of the probe, with many expressing hope that the intervention of security operatives will restore confidence in the community’s land and property system.
