Anambra vigilante accused of offering NYSC members hush money after assault; lawyer demands ₦1bn compensation, police deny cover-up, investigation ongoing.
Cyrus Onu, the legal representative of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members allegedly assaulted by a local security team in Anambra State, has claimed that the vigilante group tried to suppress the matter by offering the victims monetary compensation.
Onu alleged that the corps members were offered between ₦10,000 and ₦100,000 each under the guise of “compensation and transportation” but insisted the money was meant to silence them.
The Incident
A viral video released earlier this week showed operatives of the Anambra State vigilante group, known as Operation Udo-ga-achi, physically assaulting corps members. The victims were identified as:
- Jennifer Edema Elohor
- Greatness Oyeh
- Eze Ikenna Emmanuel
- Anighoro Godspower
- Amore Mordecai Feyisara
- Beauty Chimenum Wonodi
One of the victims, Jennifer Elohor, was reportedly stripped and beaten despite her pleas for help.
The attack occurred in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, sparking public outrage and demands for justice.
Lawyer Demands Relocation and Compensation
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, Onu revealed that he had formally written to the NYSC, requesting the immediate relocation of the victims due to safety concerns.
He further stated:
“Six of them were given ₦10,000, another was given ₦25,000 in cash, one received ₦25,000 via transfer, and Jennifer was given ₦100,000. They were instructed to remain silent about the incident or face consequences. This is nothing but hush money.”
Onu also criticized the state police command for allegedly ignoring the case until it went public, stating that Jennifer had initially reported the matter to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) but received no follow-up.
He is now demanding ₦1 billion in compensation for the victims, citing “gross violation of rights, physical assault, and psychological trauma.”
Police Deny Cover-Up
Reacting to the allegations, Anambra State Police PPRO, Tochukwu Ikenga, denied claims of negligence, explaining that the investigation faced delays due to Jennifer’s unavailability at the early stages. He assured the public that the matter would be pursued to ensure justice.
