The Ebonyi State security network, Ebubeagu, was disbanded by a Federal High Court on February 14 for human‑rights abuses. Three days later, the state government hinted that the House of Assembly had passed legislation establishing two new vigilante outfits, a statement that sparked a range of reactions.
The South‑East security apparatus, code‑named Ebubeagu Security Outfit, was created in Ebonyi State on December 23, 2021, by Governor David Umahi, who also chairs the South‑East Governors’ Forum. At a colourful inauguration in the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, the governor said the outfit would support the police and other agencies in combating crime across the region. He also suggested it would help curb insecurity and threats allegedly orchestrated by Fulani herdsmen. Umahi denied that the outfit was intended to intimidate opposition members ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Initially, Ebubeagu earned praise from some residents, but reports soon emerged of alleged victimisation, intimidation, dehumanisation, and oppression of opposition elements and innocent citizens. As the election approached, members of the outfit were accused of attacking and maiming opposition supporters, allegedly at the request of the state government and under the governor’s oversight. Opposition figures repeatedly claimed the ruling APC was silencing them to secure a smooth victory in 2023, contradicting Umahi’s earlier assurances.
These alleged abuses continued until November 9, 2022, when the outfit was accused of abducting former information commissioner and PDP chieftain Chief Abia Onyike at a pharmacy. Operatives allegedly took him to a “torture” chamber, stripped him naked and brutalised him for over two hours. The outfit later admitted the abduction resulted from mistaken identity, a mistake that became its albatross. Despite public outcry, Ebubeagu allegedly persisted in victimising opposition politicians and civilians. Notable incidents include the October 20, 2022 attack on APGA governorship candidate Prof. Benard Odoh’s convoy in Iboko, the October 16‑17 kidnapping of House of Representatives member Linus Okorie in Abakaliki, and the abduction and beating of two opposition youth leaders in Okporojo village, Afikpo South. On November 12, 2022, the outfit reportedly attacked youths at an Obidient meeting in Ohaozara, causing an elderly woman’s death and numerous injuries. PDP chieftain and Lagos‑based businessman Chief Julius Orji (aka Ochiri Edda) was also attacked, his convoy fired upon in Ekoli, Afikpo South. Ebubeagu operatives were further accused of destroying opposition campaign billboards and materials.
On February 2, 2023, Prof. Odoh survived a deadly ambush in Ishielu when gunmen, suspected to be Ebubeagu members, opened fire on his convoy, killing his driver and wounding his police orderly and three others. The police orderly, Inspector Kudu, later died of his injuries. Although the outfit was fingered, the state government denied its involvement, calling the allegation “green‑washing” by APGA. Five days later, the convoy of PDP senatorial candidate Michael Ama‑Nnachi was attacked in Ohaozara, again allegedly by Ebubeagu operatives.
These incidents brought Ebubeagu into direct conflict with the populace, who demanded change. After his abduction and torture, former commissioner Onyike filed a suit in a Federal Court in Abakaliki in 2022, challenging the legality and constitutionality of Ebubeagu’s establishment and its alleged possession of firearms. The court disbanded the outfit, ordering an end to any recognition or parade of Ebubeagu personnel. The judgment cited human‑rights abuses, extortion, illegal arrests and unlawful use of firearms.
Reactions to the ruling have been mixed. The state’s Commissioner for Information, Uchenna Orji, claimed the decision contradicted court processes. Human‑rights lawyer Steve Ugama praised the disbandment, especially ahead of the general elections. Activist Samsom Nweke, Chairman of Human Rights Access and Liberty, Ebonyi State, noted that the outfit’s original objectives had been defeated. PDP Publicity Secretary Comrade Chika Nwoba hailed the decision as being in the state’s best interest. Conversely, Special Security Consultant to the state government and APC Chairman Chief Stanley Okoro‑Emegha announced plans to appeal, expressing confidence that an appellate court would reverse the verdict because the outfit had a solid legal basis. Commissioner Orji echoed this view, calling the judgment a miscarriage of justice and a misapplication of the law.
On Friday, Governor Umahi, seemingly yielding to pressure, announced that Ebubeagu would cease to operate. However, during a live‑broadcast security meeting in Abakaliki, he revealed that a legal framework for two new local security outfits had already been passed by the Ebonyi House of Assembly to replace the disbanded Ebubeagu.
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