POLICE ARREST FORMER OTTI CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR OVER ALLEGED OPPOSITION TO ABIA AIRPORT PROJECT

Speaking from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Umuahia, Nduaguibe, a former national deputy chairman of the defunct Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN), described the arrest as unwarranted and unsettling. He recounted the early morning encounter: “They came around 4 am, banging at my gate with over 40 policemen in four vans. They said they were arresting me over a petition but refused to clarify what the petition was about. I asked them why they didn’t simply issue an invitation, but they refused to explain. Why come to my house at such an odd hour? They claimed I was inciting people against the Abia airport project in Nsulu, but I had never received a police invitation. This is an infringement on my fundamental rights. It is unacceptable in a democracy.”

Despite his objections, Nduaguibe was detained at the SCID in Umuahia. The police remained stationed outside his residence until about 10 am, drawing the attention of villagers who gathered in protest.

Nduaguibe suggested that the police action could be related to his recent public criticism of the government’s alleged plans to seize land in Nsulu for the airport project. However, he emphasized that while he had voiced concerns, he had not personally participated in any protests. “Is it a crime to stand against the government’s plans to forcibly take my people’s land? I’ve not been seen protesting. This seems like an attempt to silence me, but I cannot be intimidated,” he said.

As of the time of the report, Nduaguibe remains in detention at the state CID in Umuahia.