By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor in Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Enugu State Police Command has arraigned and remanded a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Ani Samuel Chidi, over allegations bordering on cybercrime and criminal defamation following his publication of a video of an armed attack on an NDC political meeting in the state.

Chidi, 45, was arraigned before an Enugu East Magistrate Court sitting at Nkwo Nike on Monday, October 5, 2026, on three counts filed by the police under Section 24(2)(a) and (c)(i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

The charges relate to videos and allegations published by Chidi on social media and other platforms concerning the September 12 attack at Obuoffia Awkunanaw, Enugu. Police alleged that he falsely identified Ani Nnabuike, Solomon Ifeanyi and Monday Anninwe as members of the armed group that attacked the NDC meeting and disrupted the political gathering.

According to the charge sheet, Chidi allegedly published statements accusing the three men of involvement in the attack and also threatened them and their family members. The police consequently accused him of making statements it considered false and capable of causing the named individuals to fear imminent attacks.

The development has, however, raised questions over the handling of the wider incident, particularly following allegations that armed men invaded the NDC meeting, opened fire and destroyed political materials. Reports from the incident indicated that several people were injured during the attack.

The police had earlier confirmed that two separate incidents occurred on September 12 at Ndiuno Obuoffia and St Joseph Primary School, Agbani, both in Nkanu West Local Government Area. The Command had described the attackers as armed hoodlums and said two persons sustained injuries during the Ndiuno Obuoffia incident.

The NDC, however, reported a higher number of casualties, identifying eight members it said sustained gunshot injuries. They were named as Onovo Donald Ekene, Ngene Godwin Madueke, Ogbodo Gloria, Onovo Victor, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nnaemeka Nelson, Chinonso Nwagbara and Obinna Daniel Owo.

The party also alleged that canopies, chairs and other political materials were destroyed during the attack, describing the incident as an act of political violence intended to intimidate its members and disrupt its activities.

The police subsequently commenced an investigation after the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to thoroughly investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

However, the arraignment and remand of Chidi, who was accused of recording and publishing footage of the attack, has generated controversy because of the circumstances surrounding his arrest and prosecution. Critics have questioned whether equal attention has been given to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible for the alleged armed assault.

Following his arraignment by the police prosecutor, Ajogwu, the Magistrate ordered that Chidi be remanded in custody pending further proceedings.

The case therefore places renewed attention on the need for an impartial investigation into the September 12 violence, including the identities of the attackers, the circumstances surrounding the reported shootings and injuries, the destruction of property and the subsequent actions taken by the security authorities.

Beyond the legal dispute over Chidi’s publications, the central issue remains the protection of citizens and political organisations from armed violence. Any credible investigation must establish the facts surrounding the attack and ensure that all persons found culpable, regardless of political affiliation, are subjected to due process of law.