Nimo Community Protests Over Youth’s Death, Cites Traditional Ruler’s Alleged Role


By O'star Eze, Nimo, Nigeria

May 12, 2025


Youths in Nimo, a town in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, protested peacefully on Saturday, May 10, 2025, following the death of Ifeanyi Odibelu. The protesters claimed that the traditional ruler, Igwe Maximus Ike Oliobi, and two others, Anayo Mbanugo and Emeka Abada, alias Akuamia, were involved in Odibelu’s death. The demonstration was disrupted when security personnel reportedly used tear gas and, according to some accounts, live ammunition to disperse the crowd.


The protesters stated that Odibelu was detained on April 25, 2025, and released on May 3. He died the following day. Carrying placards, the group demanded explanations from Igwe Oliobi, Mbanugo, and Abada regarding the circumstances of Odibelu’s detention and death.


Chijioke Ezedinachi, a protester, told reporters that Odibelu, an active youth group member, was arrested and held in Awka without family contact for days. “Efforts to locate him took two days, and attempts to secure his bail were unsuccessful,” Ezedinachi said. “His release on a Saturday raised questions, as weekend releases are uncommon.” Ezedinachi said the arrest followed allegations that Odibelu threatened one of the named individuals, but claimed Odibelu’s brother reported prior threats against Odibelu by those individuals.


Ukamaka Odibelu, the deceased’s sister, and Osita Ezeaputa, another protester, supported Ezedinachi’s account. Chidebere Odibo, a friend from Egbengwu village, claimed Odibelu told him that Igwe Oliobi, Mbanugo, and Abada had threatened him during detention. Odibo noted that Odibelu was unwell after his release and died the following day, but no official cause of death has been established.


The protesters marched to Egwegwe Hall, Egbengwu School, and a mortuary, where they retrieved Odibelu’s coffin. They brought it to Igwe Oliobi’s palace, under security surveillance, and then to Abada’s residence. There, security personnel reportedly used tear gas and, per Factreporters.com.ng, fired bullets, dispersing the crowd. Some protesters reported injuries.


The community’s youth leader was absent. A protester, speaking anonymously, said the leader opposed the demonstration but was overruled.


Tensions in Nimo have been high due to disputes over the alleged sale of Owa Land, a communal resource. Some community members have accused Igwe Oliobi of mismanaging land transactions, leading to a prolonged conflict and allegations of overreach in his leadership.


Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said he was unaware of the protest and criticized the youths’ actions as disruptive. “They should have reported their concerns to authorities,” Ikenga said. “Nimo is known for its peace.”


In a statement on Sunday, Igwe Oliobi denied any role in Odibelu’s death and accused a small group of youths of destabilizing Nimo. Speaking to journalists at his palace, he claimed the protesters were linked to criminal activities, including kidnapping and land disputes, and were backed by individuals with ulterior motives. “I am innocent of these accusations,” Igwe Oliobi said, as reported by The Razor.

 He urged the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and state security outfits to investigate Odibelu’s death.


Igwe Oliobi highlighted his contributions to Nimo, including a civic center project and scholarships for 14 students, and said he has worked to engage youths through skill acquisition programs. He denied allegations of land mismanagement and accused the protesters of rejecting opportunities for lawful employment.


The protest involved closing Nimo’s market, an act some residents called inappropriate in a community WhatsApp group, per The Razor. No official report has confirmed Odibelu’s cause of death, and authorities have not announced an investigation into the protest or the allegations.


The unrest reflects broader challenges in Nigeria, where disputes between traditional leaders and communities can strain local governance. Nimo’s leaders have called for dialogue to restore calm.








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