A family in Abia State is crying out for justice after their father and three daughters were detained for weeks without charge by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Abia State Police Command. The case has prompted a passionate appeal to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as fears grow over the health and safety of the detained family members.
The family’s nightmare began on April 12, 2025, when heavily armed police officers stormed their residence in Alaukwu village, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area. According to Mrs. Lilian Chikezie, the eldest daughter of the detained man, the police broke into their home without a search warrant, damaged property, and arrested her father, Mr. Chikadibia Sunday, along with two of her sisters, Ngozi and Ogechi, who were visiting from Enugu for the Easter holiday.
“Our doors were broken, our valuables and even some cash were taken,” Lilian said. “They didn’t say a word about the offence or show us a warrant. My father kept asking what the problem was, but they ignored him.”
The situation worsened when the family discovered that another daughter, Glory, had earlier been picked up at her shop in Umuoduma junction, lured out and arrested without explanation.
For days, the family searched police stations across Umuahia without finding their names on any suspect list. Eventually, it was revealed through informal sources that their loved ones were being held at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit Mopol Base, Umuahia—but with no official acknowledgment.
“We discovered from a police officer at the unit that our father and sisters are there, but they refused to formally confirm it or grant access to them,” Lilian said.
Three former detainees who were recently released from the same facility confirmed that Mr. Sunday and his daughters are being held—each in separate cells.
Despite their denial, a police officer has reportedly been collecting money from the family to provide food for the detainees.
“My father told my aunt that the money we’re sending is being used for their feeding, yet the police continue to deny they are in custody,” Lilian explained. “They’re hungry, kept in poor conditions, and still don’t know the offence they are being punished for.”
The family has now gone public, urging the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Service Commission to urgently intervene. They are pleading for the immediate release of Mr. Sunday, a respected shoemaker, and his daughters, who have now been held for more than three weeks without charge, trial, or access to legal representation.
“We are appealing to the authorities to look into this injustice. No one has told us what they did wrong, and we are worried for their health,” Lilian said.
This case raises troubling questions about due process and the abuse of police power in Nigeria. As the family continues their search for justice, Nigerians await a response from the police leadership.