RULAAC Gives AGF 14-Day Ultimatum Over Enforced Disappearances, Torture, Custodial Deaths In Southeast Nigeria | Sahara Reporters
The petition draws heavily on harrowing testimonies presented at a joint press conference convened by the Southeast Human Rights Bureau (SEHRB), the Oganihu Igbo Development Foundation, and Intersociety in Enugu on October 17, 2026.
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, demanding urgent intervention over harrowing cases of enforced disappearances, torture, prolonged incommunicado detention, custodial deaths, and disputed prosecutions arising from security operations in Southeast Nigeria.
In a petition made available to SaharaReporters on Wednesday, RULAAC also demanded that the Federal Government and its agencies comply with outstanding judicial decisions, including the ECOWAS Court judgement in Glory Okolie v Federal Republic of Nigeria, and ensure prompt compliance with subsequent court orders.
The petition draws heavily on harrowing testimonies presented at a joint press conference convened by the Southeast Human Rights Bureau (SEHRB), the Oganihu Igbo Development Foundation, and Intersociety in Enugu on October 17, 2026.
Under the theme “The Missing, the Detained and the Dead,” survivors and relatives recounted years of agonizing searches for loved ones reportedly abducted by security personnel, transferred to distant facilities, and denied family and legal access.
RULAAC specifically drew attention to the ECOWAS Court judgment delivered on November 21, 2024, in Glory Okolie’s case (ECW/CCJ/JUD/38/24). The court had found violations of her rights to personal liberty and a fair trial, ordering Nigeria to pay N10 million in compensation, cease harassment, and ensure non-repetition. Despite this, compliance remains elusive.
Similarly, the group highlighted the judgment obtained by Agboje Gladys Ngozi, also known as Ngozichukwu Ada-Dav.
On October 6, 2023, the Federal High Court in Abuja found violations of her fundamental rights and awarded N30 million in compensatory and exemplary damages against the Nigerian Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police, alongside an order for a public apology in a national daily. According to RULAAC, this judgment also remains unimplemented.
“The Federal Government must demonstrate respect for the courts through compliance,” the petition signed by Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of RULAAC read. “Glory Okolie and other survivors should not have to begin another prolonged struggle to obtain remedies after securing judgment.”
The advocacy group noted that when a survivor obtains a judgment but receives no effective remedy, the failure compounds the original harm. It called on the Attorney-General to establish the compliance status of outstanding judgments, identify the institutions responsible, and publish a timetable for fulfilling all operative obligations.
The petition also detailed a chilling list of victims, including Chidiebere Echefu, Ifeanyi Thomas Arinze, Okechukwu Paul, Ozioma Elizabeth Onyeaka, Esther Okwudili Egbom, Abel Onyedikachi Ugwuoke, Ezugwu Paul Ejike, and Chidiebere Christian Ugwu.
It also raised the disappearance of Chinyere Blessing Nwachukwu’s husband; Ifeyinwa’s account of family arrest, torture, and her husband’s continuing absence; Adaeze’s allegations of torture and persistent ill health; and the reported death of Calista Ifedi at Wawa Barracks.
RULAAC demanded an independent investigation into Wawa Barracks, relevant Department of State Services (DSS) facilities, Tiger Base in Owerri, the former IRT facility in Abuja, and other locations identified through the inquiry.
The group noted that some families only learned their relatives were alive through former detainees or lawyers, years after their disappearance.
“Once the State takes a person into custody, it must account for that person,” the petition stated. “Families deserve reliable information about the whereabouts, legal status and welfare of their relatives.”
Furthermore, RULAAC requested the retrieval and independent examination of court records in cases involving reported sentences of five years, 20 years, 40 years, and life imprisonment.
The organisation expressed grave concern over allegations that some defendants were pressured to plead guilty, lacked effective legal representation, or were prosecuted after prolonged isolation from their families.
“A terrorism allegation does not extinguish the rights of an accused person,” it warned. “Credible allegations of coercion, torture or denial of legal representation require prompt investigation and appropriate judicial remedies.”
RULAAC’s principal demands include a verified account of the whereabouts and welfare of every person identified in the petition; the release of persons unlawfully detained; prompt family contact and access to independent counsel; and the preservation of custody registers, transfer records, CCTV footage, and burial information.
The group also demanded independent legal reviews of disputed pleas, prosecution and disciplinary action where evidence establishes wrongdoing, and sustained medical and psychosocial rehabilitation for survivors.
RULAAC has given the Attorney-General an initial 14-day ultimatum to provide a written response, while urging immediate action on medical emergencies, missing persons, unlawful detention, and evidence preservation.
“Investigations must establish the truth, prosecutions must follow fair procedures and judgments must produce effective remedies,” the group said. “The Federal Government must ensure that the abuses described are investigated, those responsible are held accountable and survivors receive the compensation and rehabilitation they need.”