American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has condemned the detention of one Ozioma Onyeaka along with some “innocent individuals” who have been wrongfully incarcerated “on mere suspicion.”
In a statement by its President, Dr. Sylvester Onyia, with copies sent to Southeast Governors Forum, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, and World Igbo Congress, AVID explained that Onyeaka was arrested over five years ago in Anambra State, and was secretly transferred to Wawa Military Barracks in Kainji, Niger State.
The group added. “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 Abuja revealed a citizen severely traumatised, 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 said the “flagrant violation of basic human rights, is entirely unacceptable.”
The group added, “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 the interactional standards governing due process and fair trial rights.
“Such practices strip citizens of constitutional protections and undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system”.
They demanded the immediate discontinuation of prosecution and termination of all charges against Onyeaka, her unconditional release and to provide medical and psychological care for her.
AVID further demanded “accountability, and an independent investigation to 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 further called on the international community, human rights organisations, 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”.
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