Emma Elekwa
An operative of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA), an enforcement agency of the Anambra State Government involved in the assault and battery of a legal practitioner, Charles Nwankwo has been remanded in prison custody until the 8th of May, 2026 for proceeding on a lawsuit preferred against him.
The incident occurred on January 19, 2026, at Eke Awka Market Square, where the lawyer was allegedly attacked by task force officials during an encounter.
A viral video showed no fewer than 15 OCHA brigade operatives present with some of them beating the legal practitioner mercilessly, before bundling him into a Hilux van.
The lawyer was reportedly detained later at the OCHA Brigade office together with his younger brother, who came to check up on him.
It was further gathered that it took the intervention of the Awka Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, before the lawyer was eventually released.
The lawyer had proceeded to file a lawsuit against the agency, as efforts made by security operatives to summon the leadership of the agency over the incident were said to have been ignored by the agency’s authorities.
There were also allegations by the lawyer, of the use of the state-owned Agunechemba and Udogachi outfit, to shield those involved from facing justice.
However, on April 24, one of the OCHA Brigade operatives involved in the incident, Mr Ibeto Wisdom Onyebuchi, was finally arrested.
He was subsequently charged to an Awka Magistrate Court Four same day with Charge No: MAW/108c/2026.
Bail and remandl
The presiding Margistrate, E.C Chukwu during the session granted the suspect bail, but remanded him in prison custody till 8th of May 2026.
Part of the bail conditions was that the bail bond will be signed by the OCHA Brigade Commander himself.
The NBA Awka Branch, through its Publicity Secretary, Michael Ozojiofor said the arrest and remand of the operative marks a significant step towards achieving accountability and justice in the matter.
The branch expressed deep concern over the incident and the lack of an immediate official response as well as the absence of meaningful engagement from the leadership of the OCHA Brigade with the branch.
It said the deliberate and sustained efforts it is taking to ensure that justice is done, is not only aimed at addressing the wrong done but also to serve as a deterrent against any recurrence of such acts of lawlessness.
“We commend the Nigerian Police Force for its professionalism and support in facilitating this outcome.
“Their role has been instrumental in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld.
“We also commend the Human Rights committee of the branch for their dedication & commitment to ensuring justice took its course.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to seeing that the rest of the individuals involved in this brazen act are identified, apprehended and brought to justice.
“No effort will be spared in pursuing this objective,” the Branch assured.
