The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), alongside other civil society groups and a human rights lawyer, has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command, demanding an immediate, impartial and thorough investigation into the alleged assault of Miss Ogadinma Minnie Uchechi.

The incident reportedly occurred on March 1, 2026, in Odiokwu Community, Ahoada West Local Council of Rivers State.

The petitioners also called on relevant bodies, including the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and Social Action and Relief International, to collaborate to ensure a transparent probe.

Meanwhile, a Port Harcourt-based human rights lawyer, Chetam Nwala, described the alleged assault of the young woman, reportedly by a former aide to the Chairman of Ahoada West Local Council, Mr Eugene Cheta Epelle, as disturbing.

Uchechi posted on Facebook, highlighting what she described as deplorable and unsafe learning conditions at Community Secondary School, Odiokwu, and appealing to well-meaning individuals to support the renovation of the facility.

According to her account, the council chairman allegedly took offence at the post and accused her of attempting to embarrass him.

She claimed that on March 1, 2026, the chairman visited her family compound, met with her mother and expressed displeasure over the publication.

While her mother was pleading on her behalf, the chairman allegedly ordered his younger brother to assault her.

She alleged that she was beaten and struck with a shovel, resulting in injuries. Photographs said to show injuries sustained in the alleged attack have since circulated on social media.

However, the chairman, through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dennis Ezeuwa, denied the allegation, stating that she was only restrained to prevent her from insulting the chairman.

In a statement, Chairman of the CLO, Sunny Dada, said that given the conflicting accounts and the gravity of the allegations, including claims of physical assault, abuse of authority and possible infringement of fundamental rights, the State Police Command should invite all parties involved to make statements without delay.

He urged the police to conduct a medical examination of the alleged victim and properly document any injuries; obtain and review available photographic, video or eyewitness evidence; protect witnesses from intimidation; and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.

“This matter raises significant public interest concerns, particularly regarding citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, accountability of public office holders and protection from violence. A transparent and professional investigation will help establish the facts, restore public confidence and ensure that justice is neither denied nor delayed,” Dada said.

“We trust in the professionalism and neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force and urge your office to treat this petition with the urgency it deserves.”

Reacting to the reports, Nwala said public office holders must be open to criticism, adding that the incident highlights concerns about the vulnerability of women in Ahoada. He urged security agencies to intervene and ensure that justice is served.