RULAAC Calls Out Anambra Homeland Security Boss Over Arrest of Man, Alleged Shooting, Disappearance of Gatekeeper

By Kenechukwu Ofomah |Ichie Times

AWKA: The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised alarm over the reported arrest of one Jude Nwoye Anokwu by operatives of the state security outfit, Agunechemba Security Outfit popularly known as “Operation Udogachi”, and the alleged disappearance of his wounded gatekeeper in Achalla, Awka North Local Government Area of the state.

The RULAAC alleged that armed men, including personnel of the state security outfit, Operation Udogachi, invaded Anokwu’s residence on Saturday, October 17, 2026, allegedly shot his gatekeeper, identified as Chibuzo, and took him away to an unknown destination.

RULAAC also alleged that Anokwu and some friends who were visiting him were violently arrested, while their vehicle and personal belongings were taken. The organisation said the detainees were being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka.

In a statement on Monday, signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC expressed concern that the operation could be connected to a longstanding dispute over Anokwu’s inherited family land in Udezu Village. The organisation recalled that Anokwu was arrested in July 2025 over the same dispute and taken to the Police Zone 2 Command in Lagos, where he was allegedly accused of offences including terrorism and links with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network, ESN. RULAAC said Anokwu was subsequently released following its intervention and a review of the case by the then Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2.

It urged the Anambra State Government, the police and Operation Udogachi to clarify the legal basis for the latest operation, disclose the whereabouts and condition of the missing gatekeeper, and grant the detainees access to their lawyers and families.

Alleging that the arrests were carried out on the orders of the Special Adviser to Anambra State Governor on Homeland Security, Chief Ken Emeakayi, Nwanguma said the alleged invasion, shooting, disappearance, destruction of property and removal of personal belongings must also be investigated, and anyone found to have committed an offence, whether a security operative, community member or private individual, must be held accountable.

The group maintained that the underlying land dispute should be resolved through lawful civil processes, not armed raids, detention or unsubstantiated security allegations.

“The Anambra State Government must ensure that Operation Udogachi does not become available to powerful private interests as an instrument of intimidation or dispossession,” it said.

However, when contacted, the Anambra Community Security boss, Chief Emeakayi said he had no involvement in civil or private matters, including land disputes and local politics in Achalla or other communities.
Emeakayi, however, acknowledged security concerns in Achalla, saying the community’s leadership, including the traditional ruler and president-general, had been invited to a meeting scheduled for Friday, October 23, at the Old Government House in Awka.

He invited RULAAC to attend and observe the meeting to obtain firsthand information about the security situation and the alleged involvement of the state security outfit.

In a further response, Nwanguma welcomed the invitation but insisted that the proposed meeting could not replace immediate answers to questions arising from the reported operation. He said Emeakayi’s response did not disclose the legal basis for the arrests, identify the operatives involved or establish the whereabouts and condition of Chibuzo.

Nwanguma also raised questions about the alleged destruction of Anokwu’s CCTV installation and the removal of his vehicle and personal belongings.

“Most urgently, where is Chibuzo? Who shot him? Who took him away? Is he alive, and has he received medical treatment?” Nwanguma asked, stressing that the questions required urgent answers.

He maintained that RULAAC’s alert had presented the allegations as matters requiring clarification and impartial investigation, rather than as established facts.

The rights organisation reiterated its call for authorities to account for the missing gatekeeper, disclose the agency holding each detainee, investigate the alleged shooting and destruction of property, and either charge those arrested before a competent court or release them without delay.

Nwanguma said RULAAC remained willing to attend the proposed meeting and listen to all sides, but maintained that engagement should not delay accountability or efforts to establish the gatekeeper’s whereabouts.