Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has demanded the immediate release of its member, Mr. Ani Chidi, who was remanded by an Enugu East Magistrate’s Court over a video linked to an alleged attack on party members during a political meeting in Obuoffia, Awkunanaw.
Chidi was arraigned by the Enugu State Police Command on Monday on three counts of cybercrime and alleged criminal defamation after he reportedly recorded and circulated a video of the incident.
The party accused the police of targeting the person who captured the alleged attack instead of arresting those responsible for the violence against its members.
In a statement, the NDC described the development as “shameful”, alleging that the action amounted to the misuse of police powers against opposition members.
The party questioned why its member was being prosecuted for sharing footage of the incident while those accused of carrying out the attack had not been brought to justice.
The NDC said the police, as a public institution funded by taxpayers, should remain neutral and focus on protecting citizens rather than suppressing accountability.
It called on the authorities to withdraw the charges against Chidi and ensure his immediate and unconditional release.
The opposition party warned that using security agencies to intimidate political opponents could undermine public confidence in the nation’s justice system.
The Nigeria Police Force and the Enugu State Police Command had yet to respond to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
