NSCDC Denies Kidnapping Man Over Land Dispute With Kinsman In Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has denied the news making the rounds that its operative abducted a native of Amaedim Ngwogwo community in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some national dailies had reported that the NSCDC operatives abducted Mr Innocent Orji, following a land dispute in the community.

However, Mr Elijah Willie, State Commandant of the Corps, said in Abakaliki, on Thursday that the command only effected the arrest of Orji.

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Willie explained that the operatives arrested him following a petition written against him by Mr Innocent Igwe alleging threat to life.

He also said that Orji was alleged to be involved in championing intra and inter-communal crises, trespassing, vandalism and other conduct likely to cause breach of public peace.

The Commandant said he received the petition against the said Orji and his cohorts from Odiegwu Ibekwe Chambers, demanding to bring the culprits to justice.

“This is a land dispute and disagreement between Mr Innocent Igwe, the complainant and Orji, the suspect. It started on how to share the land between them but Orji faulted the terms of resolution.

“Yes, it was on these bases that the suspect was arrested because he refused to follow the government’s directive on the resolution of the land matters.

“A resolution was reached by the committee but the suspect was obstructing the peace process, which led to his arrest.

“I wonder how an organization like NSCDC, empowered by law to arrest, detain, investigate and prosecute, will abduct someone”, he said.

The commandant said he would not fold his arms and watch the community go into turmoil.

“The arrest was done for justice to stand and the publication was a distraction for me not to carry out my official duty.

“The suspect, Innocent Oji also known as Ogbonna was arrested and detained.

“On this note, I want to inform the public, who read from the false publication, that we did not abduct Orji but only arrested him,” Willie added.