Alleged unlawful detention: Ex-Imo commissioner’s wife petitions Tinubu

Mrs. Excel Ihekweme, wife of the former Commissioner for Foreign and International Affairs in Imo State, Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, over alleged unlawful detention of her husband.

Excel, in two letters dated December 13, 2024, and written on her behalf by a rights group, Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse & Torture, also sought the intervention of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minster of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

Ihekweme served as commissioner during Governor Hope Uzodinma’s first term in office.

The woman alleged that her husband was forcefully arrested by police in his Abuja office on November 27.

She said the ex- commissioner’s plight began when he urged the governor to prioritise the needs of the citizens and deliver on his campaign promises.

The letter read: “I am seeking your urgent intervention in this grave matter involving a gross violation of the fundamental rights of a citizen of Nigeria (Dr. Fabian Ihekweme), my husband, and an action of the police against the rule of law, the Nigerian constitution and the justice systems within the Nigeria Police Force.

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“Sir, on November 27, unidentified armed men forcefully abducted Dr. Ihekweme from his home without a warrant, due process, or access to his legal counsel.

“His phone was confiscated, and he was denied necessary medical care.

“For over 24 hours, his family did not know his whereabouts until the police issued a statement confirming his detention.

“Currently, Dr. Fabian Ihekweme is being held at the infamous Tiger Base police unit, subjected to inhumane treatment and unjustly accused of sponsoring the Eastern Security Network (ESN)—a baseless allegation aimed at discrediting his integrity and silencing his voice.

“This ordeal has left his family, including his children, traumatised and mentally distressed.

“His arrest and detention without recourse to justice or medical attention are not only a violation of his constitutional rights but also a grave affront to the principles of democracy, freedom of expression, and good governance.”

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