Ex-Imo Commissioner’s Wife Petitions President Tinubu, AGF Over Alleged Unlawful Detention

• Mrs. Excel Ihekweme petitioned President Tinubu, alleging her husband’s unlawful arrest by police without a warrant and due process
• The petitions demand Dr. Ihekweme’s immediate release, legal representation, and an independent investigation into his detention circumstances

Mrs. Excel Ihekweme, wife of former Imo State Commissioner for Foreign and International Affairs, Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, has petitioned President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, over her husband’s alleged unlawful arrest and detention.

The petitions, dated December 13, were filed on her behalf by the rights group Initiative Against Human Right Abuse & Torture, led by its Executive Director, Comrade Gerald Katchy. Mrs. Ihekweme also addressed similar petitions to the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President.

According to Mrs. Ihekweme, her husband was forcibly arrested at his Abuja residence on November 27 by unidentified police officers who allegedly did not present an arrest warrant.

He has since been detained at the Tiger Base police unit in Owerri, Imo State.

The petition described Dr. Ihekweme’s arrest as a gross violation of his constitutional rights, alleging that he was denied legal counsel, medical care, and due process.

His wife further claimed that the ordeal has left the family, particularly their children, traumatized.

Mrs. Ihekweme linked her husband’s detention to his criticisms of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, asserting that Dr. Ihekweme had called on the governor to prioritize citizens’ needs and fulfill campaign promises.

The petition accused the police of falsely alleging that Dr. Ihekweme was sponsoring the Eastern Security Network (ESN), describing the claim as an attempt to tarnish his reputation and silence him.

“This ordeal has left his family, including his children, traumatised and mentally distressed.

His arrest and detention without recourse to justice or medical attention are not only a violation of his constitutional rights but also a grave affront to the principles of democracy, freedom of expression, and good governance,” the petition stated.

Mrs. Ihekweme called for:

1. The immediate and unconditional release of her husband.
2. Assurance of his rights to due process, legal representation, and medical care.
3. An independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention.
4. Protection of citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and advocacy for good governance.

She emphasized the need for democratic principles to be upheld, urging the authorities to prevent persecution for holding leaders accountable.

The petitions argue that Dr. Ihekweme’s situation affronts Nigeria’s justice system and democracy and call for urgent action to address the alleged violations.