Edo Citizens Demand Justice After Alleged State-Backed Assault On Activist Okhani
A coalition known as Concerned Edo Citizens has raised alarm over the brutal assault and alleged attempted murder of Comrade Okhai Okhani, President of the Edo North Unity Forum, accusing state-sponsored vigilantes of carrying out the attack in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.
At a press briefing on Thursday, the group condemned what it described as a deliberate effort to silence a prominent voice for social justice through abduction, torture, and threats — allegedly sanctioned by state authorities.
Okhani was reportedly abducted on Saturday, July 26, 2025, by more than 50 members of a local vigilante group allegedly led by individuals identified as Agbor and Ibrahim Giwa, the Sector Commander of the Vigilante Group in Okpella.
According to Okhani and eyewitnesses, he was forcefully taken to an isolated location where he was severely beaten and tortured. The attackers reportedly intended to execute him extrajudicially but were compelled to hand him over to the police following public outcry.
However, the group expressed grave concern over the response of the Auchi Area Commander, ACP Lawrence Adjihu, who allegedly detained Okhani for over four hours despite his critical injuries, denying him medical care and access to his family.
The vigilante leaders reportedly told ACP Adjihu they acted under “an order from above” — a phrase that has triggered fears of political complicity and state-backed abuse.
“This is not just an attack on one individual but a clear violation of the Constitution and the Anti-Torture Act of 2017,” the group said, citing sections on the right to life, dignity, personal liberty, and protection from inhuman treatment.
Despite a formal petition to the police, the group said no arrests have been made, no investigation has been initiated, and the perpetrators continue to intimidate witnesses with impunity.
Concerned Edo Citizens issued five urgent demands:
- Immediate arrest and prosecution of all vigilante members involved.
- Disciplinary action and redeployment of ACP Lawrence Adjihu for misconduct.
- A thorough investigation into the origin of the alleged “order from above.”
- Full medical, psychological, and legal support for Comrade Okhani.
- Comprehensive reform and regulation of vigilante operations in Edo State.
They also called on Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Nigeria Police Force, State Security Service (SSS), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and international human rights bodies to intervene.
“We will not be silenced. Justice must prevail. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the coalition declared.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, especially following reports that it may be linked to a recent WhatsApp exchange between Okhani and a top Edo political figure, reportedly former governor Adams Oshiomhole, over calls for youth empowerment.
The group urged the media and civil society organisations to remain vigilant and continue spotlighting the growing human rights concerns in the state.
