The arrest and remand of a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Ani Samuel Chidi, have sparked controversy after he was reportedly taken to court over a video documenting an alleged armed attack on the party’s meeting in Enugu State.
Chidi, 45, was arraigned before an Enugu East Magistrate Court sitting at Nkwo Nike on Monday, October 5, 2026, where the police brought three counts bordering on cybercrime and criminal defamation against him.
According to the charge sheet obtained by SaharaReporters, the police alleged that Chidi published videos of the September 12 attack on social media platforms and news outlets. The authorities also accused him of identifying Ani Nnabuike, Solomon Ifeanyi and Monday Anninwe as members of the armed group allegedly involved in the incident.
The case has generated questions because Chidi was reportedly the person who recorded and circulated footage of the violence at Obuoffia Awkunanaw, where armed men allegedly disrupted an NDC meeting, reportedly shooting at members and damaging property.
The development has also drawn attention to the earlier response by security authorities. Police in Enugu and officials at Zone 13 Headquarters in Anambra had reportedly arrested some suspects in connection with the attack, but the suspects and alleged sponsors were subsequently released.
The situation has therefore raised concerns among political observers and supporters of the NDC, who are questioning why the individual who documented and publicised the alleged attack is now facing prosecution.
Akelicious had earlier reported that the Enugu State Police Command confirmed two separate attacks on NDC members and supporters during a grassroots meeting in Nkanu West Local Government Area on September 12.
Following his arraignment by Police Prosecutor Ajogwu, Chief Magistrate Sir F. E. Chukwu ordered that Chidi be remanded in prison custody pending further proceedings.
The case is expected to continue as questions persist over the circumstances surrounding the prosecution and the handling of the suspects allegedly linked to the original attack.
