The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the police and the Enugu State Government to intervene in the crisis brewing in Agunese-Mmaku Autonomous Community, Awgu Local Council, before it escalates beyond control.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the centre expressed concern over the protracted crisis in Agunese-Mmaku, which became an autonomous community in 2002, citing serious rule of law and human rights concerns.

RULAAC, in an open letter to the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, called for an independent and rights-compliant intervention to resolve the crisis, which it said has lingered for years. It also demanded the release of IfeanyiOkeke, who was accused of killing another young man who reportedly died of natural causes.

The Guardian learnt that the crisis is rooted in disputes over traditional authority, town union leadership and local power struggles.

The civil society organisation noted that the situation had escalated into protests, counter-allegations and the involvement of security agencies.

The death of a 19-year-old, Nnamdi Chidi, further heightened concerns, with conflicting accounts surrounding the circumstances of his death.

RULAAC’s Executive Director, OkechukwuNwanguma, expressed concern about the role of security agencies in the crisis, warning that they might be perceived as instruments in personal, political or communal disputes.

He therefore urged the state government to ensure that security agencies operate strictly within the law and respect human rights.

“It is a case of ‘bow to me or be framed’,” said Vincent Okafor, legal adviser to the Agunese Town Union.

Among RULAAC’s demands to the police to ensure peace are a review of the basis for the continued detention of IfeanyiOkeke, ensuring that all witness statements are obtained without coercion, and measures to restore public confidence in the police.

“We have been engaging with the police on this matter. We have visited the detainee, who does not appear to be in good health,” Nwanguma said. “RULAAC is not here to shield anyone from investigation. We have taken time to verify the authenticity of the autopsy, which turned out to be fake.”

Nwanguma further alleged the existence of contradictory witness testimonies and the abuse of police processes.