By Emmanuel Thomas l Thursday, Oct. 08, 2026
ENUGU — The New Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of its member, Mr. Ani Chidi, who was remanded in custody by an Enugu East Magistrate’s Court sitting at Nkwo Nike, Enugu State.
Chidi was arraigned by the Enugu State Police Command on Monday following allegations stemming from a video he recorded during a violent attack on party members at a political meeting in Obuoffia, Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area.
According to court filings, the police charged Chidi on three counts bordering on cybercrime and alleged criminal defamation under Section 24(2)(a) and (c)(i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024. The prosecution alleges that Chidi unlawfully circulated the video recording of the clash online.
Reacting strongly to the court ruling, the NDC condemned the action of the police, accusing the law enforcement agency of bias and selective prosecution. The party expressed outrage that individuals who allegedly launched the attack on its members remain unpunished, while the person who documented the violence is being prosecuted.
”It is shameful that the Nigeria Police Force would ignore the thugs who unleashed violence on our members and instead prosecute a member who recorded the incident,” the party stated in an official declaration. “It is clear that the state has taken sides with violent criminals attacking members of the opposition.”
The opposition party further reminded the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, that the police force is funded by taxpayers to uphold justice and protect citizens, warning against the weaponization of state power to suppress opposition voices.
The Obuoffia Political Clash: Political gatherings in parts of Enugu State have faced heightened political tensions and occasional disruptions by armed political thugs.
The incident in Obuoffia, Awkunanaw, occurred during an internal NDC meeting where armed assailants disrupted proceedings, leading to injuries and property damage.
The Amended Cybercrimes Act: Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015, amended in 2024, was designed to curb online harassment, false information, and cyber threats.
However, rights groups and opposition parties have frequently voiced concern over Section 24 of the Act, arguing that it is often misinterpreted or misused by security agencies to clamp down on citizen journalism, whistleblowers, and political opposition documenting public incidents.
Legal Implications of Video Evidence: Under Nigerian evidence law, citizen recordings can serve as crucial digital evidence in criminal investigations. The arrest and remand of individuals capturing live footage of political violence have raised fresh debates among legal analysts regarding public surveillance rights and freedom of expression in Nigeria.