Enugu police arrest traditional ruler, ex-lawmaker, eight others over alleged attack on NDC meeting
A prominent traditional ruler in Enugu State, Igwe Obiora Igwesi, his brother and former federal lawmaker, Hon. Uchenna Sunday A. Igwesi, popularly known as USA Igwesi, and eight other suspects have been arrested over an alleged violent attack on a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area.
The arrests, reportedly carried out on September 22, 2026, followed a petition submitted to the Inspector General of Police by the NDC Obuoffia Ward over the September 12 attack, which allegedly left eight people with gunshot wounds.
According to a report by SaharaReporters, detectives from the Zone 13 Command in Ukpo, Anambra State, executed the arrests on the orders of the Inspector General of Police.
Those arrested alongside the traditional ruler and the former lawmaker were identified as Uchenna Moses Ani, Chidi Ani, Oko Nwodo, Dominic Arum, Ifeanyi Solomon Nwobodo, Victor Okechukwu, Nnabuike Ani and John Chukuma Ogbodo.
The petition accused the suspects of conspiracy to commit a felony, unlawful possession of firearms, attempted murder, assault occasioning grievous harm, threatening violence and stealing.
It alleged that the attack occurred when NDC members gathered at Ihuani Awkunanaw in Obuoffia for a ward meeting, which the petitioners said had been approved by the Agbani Divisional Police Station.
The petition further alleged that a convoy of three vehicles and two motorcycles drove past the venue before gunshots were fired, leaving several party members injured.
Those reportedly injured included Hon. Donald Onovo, Ward Chairman, Hon. Maduka Ngene, Victor Onovo, Gloria Ogbodo, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nelson Nnaemeka, Chinonso Nwagbara and Obinna Daniel Owo.
The petition also alleged that the attack was part of a broader pattern of violence against opposition political gatherings in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
These claims have not been independently established.
The suspects are reportedly in custody as investigations continue.
No court outcome or response from the arrested individuals was included in the report.
The incident comes amid concerns over reported attacks on political gatherings in the state, including a separate alleged attack on a Peoples Democratic Party rally in Agbani.
