The Society for Human Rights Advocacy and Development (SOHAD), an umbrella platform of civil society organisations and pro-democracy groups based in Abia State, has condemned what it termed inappropriate actions and decisions by some police in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
SOHAD said that after the recent mayhem and civil disorder linked to the recent kingship tussle and community clash in Okon Aku and Okagwe communities in Ohafia Local Government Area, the group’s hierarchy met on May 18, 2026, at Freedom Hall to appraise the role and position of the Abia State Police Command in the whole issue.
The group said that after its investigations, it discovered that the Abia State Command erred seriously in the community clash in communities located across the Ohafia Local Area of Abia State, which is home to the 14 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army.
In a statement signed by Cassius Ukwugbe, the executive coordinator of SOHAD, and the secretary, Orji Onyedikachi, SOHAD commended recent valiant actions by troops of the Nigerian Army under the 14th Brigade on the matter.
It says that the action of the army recorded key operational breakthroughs following a series of intelligence-driven operations that targeted suspected criminals and hoodlums that are part of those that recently caused mayhem and civil disorder in Okon Aku and Okagwe communities in Ohafia.
The group said that the action of the army led to the successful arrest of key suspects, recovery of illegal firearms and subsequent handover of suspects with letters to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Abia State Command, for onwards investigations and prosecution.
SOHAD, however, said that they were shocked by the actions of the police officers attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) who granted administrative bail to suspected criminals on complex offences such as ‘possession of illegal firearms’.
The group went on to say that it actually recognises the fact that based on police discretion, the Police Act 2020 empowers the police to grant bail for minor or civil bailable offences, but not for capital offences.
SOHAD said that capital offences involving possession of illegal firearms are tied to violent crimes such as robbery and kidnapping that carry severe penalties under the ‘Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act’.
It therefore said that, consequently, firearm offences as provided by the law do not qualify for police administrative bail, as such can typically only be evaluated and granted by a competent court of jurisdiction.
SOHAD said that these inappropriate actions and decisions by the police officers constitute illegality and unlawful procedure and put public safety at risk as these criminals are being reabsorbed back into society.
The group also added that the decision of the police officers as well undermined the genuine intention and efforts of the Nigerian military in seeking lasting peace and order in Ohafia and Abia State at large.
It went on to call on the Commissioner of Police, Abia State, to carry out an urgent and comprehensive review of recent criminal-related and illegal firearms possession matters handed over by the 14th Brigade of the Nigerian military and investigate the roles of the police officers in such misconduct who compromised the integrity of the police and prosecute as supported by law.
SOHAD also demanded that all crime suspects arrested earlier by the Nigerian military be taken back into custody and prosecuted accordingly.
“As we at SOHAD hold firm to these demands and expect justice, we unequivocally condemn the recent atmosphere of chaos and insecurity across the Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
“SOHAD finally wishes to reaffirm its strong stance on the promotion of peace and justice and urge Abia citizens to desist from all forms of civil disorder and violence-related activities that might disrupt the socio-economic activities of the Ohafia people in particular and Abia State in general.”
