January 31, 2026 | News
By SUNTV Global Channel
Residents of Egwedu Autonomous Community in Atta, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State say they are living in fear following a wave of alleged abuses linked to a self-acclaimed vigilante leader, Chibuike Duru, popularly known as Nwagbenta.
Community members accuse Nwagbenta of running an illegal private detention centre, extorting traders—especially market women—and allegedly killing at least two young men in recent months, all under the guise of providing community security.
Alleged Private Detention Centre With “Human Cages”
Investigations by SUNTV Global Channel revealed that Nwagbenta and members of his armed group allegedly operate a detention facility within his residence. Victims and residents described the facility as containing human cages where detainees are reportedly locked up for weeks or even months over accusations ranging from theft and land disputes to domestic disagreements.
Residents allege that bail fees range between ₦300,000 and ₦1 million, while families are forced to pay ₦5,000 per visit to bring food to detained relatives.
Parallel Justice System, Armed Enforcement
According to multiple sources, Nwagbenta moves freely across Egwedu and neighbouring communities with assault rifles, including AK-47s, enforcing what residents describe as a parallel justice system in the near-total absence of regular police patrols.
A resident told SUNTV Global Channel that the vigilante leader “decides who is guilty, how long they are detained, how much they must pay, and sometimes whether they live or die.”
Controversial Past, Alleged Government-Backed Cover
Findings by the Network on Human Rights (NOHR) indicate that Nwagbenta was formerly a commander in a pro-Biafra separatist armed group before becoming a fugitive.
Sources allege he later returned to Egwedu after striking an arrangement with Ebubeagu, a government-backed militia, which reportedly enabled him to integrate into the local vigilante structure and target suspected separatist sympathisers.
Residents claim this arrangement handed him unchecked power in a community lacking effective law enforcement.
Streetlight Dispute Sparks Threats
NOHR further documented a case involving a local businessman, Amaechi Duru, who installed solar-powered streetlights worth about ₦150,000 each around his compound and adjoining streets to improve security.
Residents said the development angered Nwagbenta, who allegedly accused the businessman of installing the lights to monitor his activities. Witnesses claimed that Nwagbenta and his men dismantled about 15 streetlights and carted them away.
When the community’s President-General reportedly demanded their return, Nwagbenta allegedly refused, threatening death to anyone who insisted.
Market Women Allegedly Extorted and Assaulted
At Afor Atta Market, traders allege that Nwagbenta and his armed men routinely extort money from market women.
Victims claim women who fail or refuse to pay are flogged or have their goods seized, regardless of their financial condition.
“He comes openly with guns, collects money and beats people. Nobody dares to challenge him,” a trader said.
Alleged Killings Rock Community
The most disturbing allegations involve the deaths of two young men.
One victim, Ifeanyi Nnadiemere, a 25-year-old school leaver, was allegedly arrested on January 27, 2026, over claims he transferred money from his mother’s bank account without permission. Residents said he was tortured at Nwagbenta’s residence and later died in custody. His family was reportedly invited to retrieve his body for burial.
Earlier, on November 30, 2025, another resident, Chiedozie Awalie, 37, was allegedly arrested in front of his father’s home in Ubaokoro, Atta. Witnesses claimed he was later killed and his body set ablaze. His father was identified as Mr. Tobias Awalie.
Survivor Testimonies Reveal Torture and Intimidation
Another alleged victim, Chinonso Moses Ejiofor, was detained in the cage from January 17 to January 26, 2026. His mother was reportedly forced to pay ₦5,000 per food visit, while ₦300,000 was demanded for bail.
He was eventually released following the intervention of a human rights lawyer but was allegedly warned never to speak about his ordeal, with threats that his mother would lose her son if the matter was pursued.
Chinonso disclosed that at least eight other detainees were held in the cage during his detention.
Human Rights Lawyer Petitions Authorities
Following mounting complaints, a human rights lawyer, Chubby Ikechukwu Obianyo, Esq., of J.U. Ijeoma & Associates, has petitioned security agencies and rights bodies, including the National Human Rights Commission, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of Nwagbenta and his associates.
“The situation must be nipped in the bud before another vicious gang takes firm root in Imo State,” the petition warned.
The lawyer described Egwedu community as being “enveloped in fear,” with residents subjected to what he called despicable impunity and grave violations of fundamental human rights.
Calls for Urgent Government Intervention
As of the time of filing this report, fear remains widespread in Egwedu community. Residents are calling on the Imo State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and relevant federal authorities to intervene urgently to prevent further loss of life.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and bring updates as authorities respond to these grave allegations.
