
The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has issued a strong appeal to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, calling for the immediate release of Mazi Obinna Akuwudike—the Council’s Member of Directorate Media and Publicity—who has been held in custody by the Cybercrime Department of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, for over 15 days.
Mazi Obinna Akuwudike, a known social media influencer and committed member of the Ohanaeze Youth Council(OYC), was reportedly arrested following a complaint filed by one Ms. Sandra Duru.
Information available to us shows that the arrest is said to be linked to the circulation of controversial film and audio content allegedly involving Ms. Sandra Duru, the President of the Nigerian Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and Sen. Natasha Uduaghan.
According to the Council, Mazi Obinna Akuwudike and Ms. Sandra Duru were previously close friends, with Obinna serving as her media assistant.
However, tensions reportedly escalated after he refused to be manipulated for unethical purposes—a stance that allegedly provoked a series of personal attacks and legal harassment from Ms. Sandra Duru.
In a statement signed by the National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council(OYC), Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, the Council condemned the prolonged illegal detention of Mazi Obinna Akuwudike as a gross violation of his fundamental human rights and a deliberate act of intimidation against the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) members.
The Council stressed that while the nature of the content in question may be considered contentious, it does not justify an extended detention without trial or access to bail.
It described the situation as both unlawful and unacceptable Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) and Igbo Youths at Large, emphasizing that the proper legal course would be to either charge Mazi Obinna Akuwudike to court or release him immediately.
The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) further called for the strict observance of due legal process in all matters involving Nigerian citizens—particularly those acting in the public interest—and warned against the misuse of law enforcement agencies as tools for political persecution or personal vengeance.
In addition, the Council appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene on Mazi Obinna Akuwudike illegal detention and ensure that justice is served swiftly and fairly.
The group expressed concern that failure to address the matter objectively within 48hrs could strain the bonds of friendship and mutual respect and calmness the Igbo Youths have on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
Signed:
Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka
National President,
Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC)