Land Dispute: Abducted community leader’s wife raises the alarm over hubby’s abduction

Wife of the abducted community leader in Nkonib Quo clan, Ikot Ansa community in Calabar Municipality local government area of Cross River State, Mrs. Arit Maurice Iso, have demanded for the release of the husband, Chief Maurice Omin Iso, who was abducted by men suspected to be security operatives.

Besides, some associates and youths of the community have called for the immediate release of the frontline community leader, stating that it is time for truce to resolve whatever community problems that may have led to his incarceration for about one month now without access to his family, lawyer and medical attention.

Chief Maurice Omin Iso was allegedly whisked away on December 23, 2024, about 7: 00pm from his residence in Esuku Otu, Ikot Ansa, Calabar Municipality by security operatives suspected to be backed by officials of the Cross River state government.

Recounting her emotional trauma since husband’s disappearance in Calabar at the weekend, Madam Arit said: “I want my husband back home to join us, whoever had been holding my husband hostage should please release him to us. Chief is a peaceful person who cannot even hurt a fly. I don’t know why they are holding him hostage. We are in the dark. We don’t even whether our breadwinner is alive or not. We pray he comes back alive.

“No security organisation had admitted knowing the whereabouts about of the abducted monarch since he was whisked away by his abductors from his compound as his whereabouts remains a mystery to family members. I call on spirited individuals and friends to intervene in this matter.”

Also speaking, one of the associates, who simply gave his name as Ntufam Emmanuel Asim, said: “It is unfortunate that a man who stood out for the community when the government almost took over the disputed part of Summit Hill land, belonging to Nkonib Quo clan, can be treated as a common criminal by the same community allegedly in collaboration with some top government officials.

“Chief Omin has been at the forefront of rescuing his people and their lands. So, I wonder what offence he has committed that should warrant this kind of inhuman treatment meted out to him.

“Those allegedly holding him in captivity should bring him before a competent court of law rather than keeping him incommunicado for almost a month. The community should come together and seek solution rather than engaging in war of attrition.”

On his part, one of the youth leaders, Oqua A.Oqua, said: “We are aware of the long standing land dispute between Chief Omin and the community on one hand and between Omin and the government on the other hand. But that shouldn’t call for such arrest of Omin in a Gestapo style and keeping him out of circulation for too long because some community members opposed to him are said to be close to government of the day.

“It is alleged that some community members petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IG), AIG Zone 6 and Governor Bassey Otu alleging attempted murder and kidnap.

“But even at that the security agents should be bold enough to come out to tell the public Omin’s whereabouts and why he is being prosecuted. Keeping silent in the whole saga amounts to complicity

“We the youths, therefore, call on government and security agents to produce the Omin and allow him to answer some questions,” Oqua stated.

Another youth leader in Nkonib community, Mbora Bassey, stated that the motives behind the abduction of Chief Maurice Omin Iso L was as a result of land dispute.

Counsel heads to court

Worried by the inhuman treatment meted out to his client, Chief Maurice Omin Iso, the Lead Counsel, Chief Obono Obla, not only accused the State Attorney General (AG) and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ededem Ani, and operatives of DSS of knowing the whereabouts of the abducted monarch, but went to court to seek redress and ultimate release of Omin.

Obla had approached the court in Suit No. FHC/CA/CS/3/2025 seeking release of his client, Chief Maurice Omin Iso, arguing that the prolonged detention of Omin Iso without access to his loved ones or legal representation is a violation of his rights and undermines the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

Obla among others is seeking a declaration that the Respondents ( DSS and Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Cross River State) are obligated to respect the fundamental human rights of the applicant (Omin) to freedom of personal liberty and the freedom of movement, secured or promptly charge the applicant to court if there are allegations against him.

He again seeks an order of “apology to be rendered by the Respondents to the Applicant for their egregious violations of the Applicant’s fundamental human rights without any justification and general damages of N100m.

Appearing on the matter on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 before Hon Justice Ifeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court No.1 Calabar, the counsel to Directorate of State (DSS), I.N Nwezor, told the court that the DSS does not know anything about the applicant, adding that the applicant is not of security interest to the DSS and unknown to the Service.

According to the Nwezor, “there was no petition against Chief Maurice Omin Iso, and DSS did not arrest him.”

On his part, the counsel from the Chambers of Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice , G.I Okem, told the Court that the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice is aware of a petition written by Okimasi Ojong & Co on behalf of Nkonib (Ikot Ansa) Qua Clan dated 10 December 2024 to the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 6 Headquarters Calabar against Chief Maurice Omin Iso, Ntufam Donatus Etim and Prince Michael Ekpenyong on alleged cultism. Abduction, attempted kidnapping, and attempted murder of Felix Eyo Iso Jnr and Michael Assim Ita.

After listening to both parties, Justice Ifeoma Ojukwu adjourned the case to February 18, 2025.

Attorney General deines knowledge

In response, the Attorney General (AG) and Commissioner for justice for the state, Ededem Ani, on Thursday last week, issued a statement
denying involvement in Chief Maurice Omin Iso’s travail, maintaining that the reports were not only false but a calculated attempt to tarnish his good image built over the years.

Ani argued that there was no record of any judgments in favour of Chief Maurice Omin Iso, against the Cross River State Government involving land or chieftaincy issues.

According to him, if Iso was abducted and detained on December 21, how was he able to show up at Zone Six for questioning on December 23, 2024?