The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) and a lawyer from Agunese Mmaku Community, Enugu State, have raised concerns over the detention of Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke amid conflicting accounts surrounding the death of 19-year-old Nnamdi Chidi. They are calling for an independent, transparent, and credible investigation.

Speaking at a joint press briefing in Lagos, RULAAC Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma stressed that the organisation seeks truth and due process, not to shield any suspect from investigation.

“Two completely conflicting narratives exist about the death of this young man, yet someone remains in detention without these contradictions being properly resolved,” Nwanguma said.

One version alleges that Chidi died from injuries sustained in a violent attack, with an autopsy reportedly indicating a prima facie case of murder. The other, provided by the deceased’s mother, claims he died of a pre-existing medical condition. Nwanguma questioned the credibility of the autopsy, highlighting discrepancies that could undermine constitutional guarantees of personal liberty and fair hearing under Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

He warned that the ongoing detention of Okeke, arrested on November 30, 2025, amid conflicting evidence, raises concerns that police processes could be weaponised to settle community disputes rather than establish objective truth.

Supporting this view, Mr. Vincent Okafor, Legal Adviser to Agunese Town Union, noted that the prolonged detention has created fear and uncertainty within the community. He revealed that a Town Union meeting on January 5, 2026, representing all six kindreds, concluded that the evidence did not support a murder allegation.

“Our demand is simple: let the law take its course in its true sense—anchored on facts, fairness, and due process. No innocent person should be sacrificed on the altar of rivalry, misinformation, or abuse of process,” Okafor stated.

Both RULAAC and the lawyer urged Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun to order an independent review of the autopsy, reassess witness statements without coercion, and ensure the administration of justice is insulated from community conflicts, competing petitions, and undue influence.