Kidnapping Allegations in Enugwu Agidi: Unanswered Questions and Lingering Concerns

 


I am compelled to respond to the publication in The Punch Newspaper on February 12, 2025, featuring HRH Igwe Okekeuche of Enugwu Agidi. The article pertains to the arrest of an alleged kidnapper, Mr. Tansi, who was reportedly a palace guard.


I have several concerns and questions arising from the publication:


*(1) Recruitment and Appointment*


His Highness denied any personal dealings with Mr. Tansi and commended Governor Soludo and security agencies for the arrest. However, I question who recruited Mr. Tansi into the palace guard and appointed him commander of the Enugwu Agidi Vigilante. Furthermore, who bailed him out from police detention when he was first arrested for a related offense? Did Igwe Okekeuche, as the chief security officer, invite the Anambra State government to conduct a forensic analysis on Mr. Tansi before hiring him as a guard? Did he investigate the claims of the President General regarding Mr. Tansi's criminal involvement before appointing him commander of community security?


*(2) Contradictions and Lack of Evidence*


Igwe Okekeuche alleged that the President General, Hon Ebuka Onuorah, petitioned against Mr. Tansi, yet went to Abuja, freed him, and employed him as his gateman. I find it puzzling that Igwe Okekeuche has not published the evidence he claims to have regarding this matter. This raises questions about his motives and the validity of his claims. Why has Igwe Okekeuche not petitioned the State government against the President General for allegedly bailing a suspected criminal?


*(3) Discrepancies in Nomination*


Igwe Okekeuche stated that he relied on the village chairman's nomination to enlist Mr. Tansi into the vigilante group. However, the village chairman and his secretary, Ozo Nonso Ifebunso and Chinedu Mmuo Ututu, denied submitting Mr. Tansi's name or screening him ¹. The government should request Igwe Okekeuche to provide evidence of the village chairman's nomination.


*(4) Screening Process*


According to Igwe Okekeuche, the President General, the DPO of the Central Police Station, and others screened Mr. Tansi before approving him as the security commander. However, the President General has refuted this claim. I question why the government has not investigated this matter further, starting with contacting the DPO to verify the screening process.


*(5) Compliance with Local Government Directives*


The then Local Government Chairman, Hon Barr Claim Aguiyi, mandated that all firearms of vigilante groups be stored at the police station. I ask whether this order was obeyed when Mr. Tansi was first arrested with a gun.


In conclusion, I strongly believe that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo should summon Igwe Okekeuche to provide information about Mr. Tansi's activities. The President General has presented evidence against Mr. Tansi, which Igwe Okekeuche appears to be ignoring. I urge that Igwe Okekeuche be investigated, and the outcomes be made public.



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