Igbo-American Military Veterans Demand Onyeaka’s Release From Wawa Barracks, Call For Probe Into 5-Year Secret Detention | Sahara Reporters

Onyeaka was arrested in Anambra State more than five years ago and was subsequently transferred secretly to the military facility, where she was allegedly held incommunicado.

The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has condemned what it described as the “unlawful, unconstitutional, and inhumane detention” of Ozioma Elizabeth Onyeaka, demanding her immediate release and the discontinuation of her prosecution.

AVID, in a press release dated August 22, 2026, also called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Onyeaka’s alleged secret transfer to Wawa Military Barracks in Kainji, Niger State, where the group said she was detained for more than five years.

The organisation said Onyeaka was arrested in Anambra State more than five years ago and was subsequently transferred secretly to the military facility, where she was allegedly held incommunicado.

According to AVID, Onyeaka was denied access to legal representation, medical care and her family during the period of her detention, leaving her relatives to “presume her dead.”

The group said her recent appearance before the Federal High Court in Abuja brought to light the physical and psychological consequences of the prolonged detention.

“Her recent appearance at the Federal High Court in Abuja revealed a citizen severely traumatized, terrified, and visibly suffering from the profound psychological and physical toll of prolonged secret detention,” AVID said.

The organisation said the treatment meted out to Onyeaka amounted to a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights and constitutional protections.

AVID argued that keeping a civilian in secret military custody for more than five years without trial violated Nigeria’s constitutional provisions as well as regional and international standards on due process and fair trial rights.

It added that such practices “strip citizens of constitutional protections and undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system.”

The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as the targeting of innocent individuals “particularly those targeted because they are Igbo.”

AVID subsequently outlined four demands, including the immediate termination of all charges against Onyeaka.

The group called on the Attorney General of the Federation to invoke the powers conferred on the office under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to discontinue the prosecution.

“The Honorable Attorney General of the Federation must exercise his constitutional powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to enter a nolle prosequi and immediately terminate all charges against Ms. Onyeaka,” AVID said.

It also demanded her “immediate and unconditional” release into the care of her family and qualified medical professionals.

Beyond her release, AVID demanded comprehensive medical and psychological assistance, arguing that the government should provide support to address what it described as the severe trauma resulting from her incarceration.

The veterans also demanded accountability for those involved in Onyeaka’s alleged secret transfer and prolonged detention.

“An independent investigation must be conducted into the circumstances surrounding her secret transfer and prolonged detention at Wawa Barracks, with all responsible officers held accountable under Nigerian and international law,” it said.

The group further called on international organisations and civil-rights bodies to take an interest in the case and support its demand for justice.

The statement was signed by Dr Sylvester Onyia, South-East President, and Dr Godson Obiagwu, Secretary.

Copies of the statement were sent to the South East Governors’ Forum, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide and the World Igbo Congress.

The organisation said its intervention was informed by its status as a body of military veterans committed to the defence of fundamental rights, constitutional order and the rule of law.

The demands come amid renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding Onyeaka’s prolonged detention and her appearance before the Federal High Court in Abuja, with AVID insisting that her continued detention and prosecution should be discontinued.

Previously, SaharaReporters reported that Mrs Uchechi Okwu-Kanu, wife of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, called for an independent investigation into the arrest, prolonged detention and treatment of Onyeaka.

Okwu-Kanu said Ozioma had allegedly been held for more than five years, during which her family was reportedly left uncertain about her whereabouts and whether she was still alive.

She also called for an account of all persons allegedly being held incommunicado at the Wawa Military Detention Centre in Kainji, Niger State, following the emergence of a video showing Ozioma at the Federal High Court in Abuja.