An Enugu court has remanded a man in prison custody over a video of an attack on a political meeting. The police and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have given conflicting accounts of his role.
The Court Decision
Ani Chidi, 45, appeared before an Enugu East Magistrate’s Court at Nkwo Nike on Monday. Chief Magistrate F. E. Chukwu ordered his remand in prison custody.
The Enugu State Police Command brought three counts against him. They relate to cybercrime and alleged criminal defamation. The police cited the Cybercrime Act, 2015, as amended in 2024. The charges are allegations, and the court has not ruled on them.
The Police Position
The police say the incident happened on September 12, 2026, in Obuoffia Awkunanaw. They allege that Chidi recorded a video of the attack on an NDC meeting and shared it on WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
They also allege that he falsely named three men as members of the armed group. The men are Ani Nnabuike, Solomon Ifeanyi and Monday Anninwe. According to the charge sheet, he also threatened to kill Nnabuike and his family.
The NDC Position
The Enugu NDC rejects the charges. In a statement signed by Sampson Ukwu, media aide to its governorship candidate, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, the party describes Chidi as a witness who filmed the attack. It alleges that suspected attackers have not been prosecuted.
The party also alleges that the state Attorney General is behind the charges. It calls on Governor Peter Mbah’s government to stay out of the matter.
The NDC wants a fair and independent investigation into the violence at Obuoffia.
