Youth advocate and founder of the African Youth Leadership Centre, David Nwokorie, has condemned his recent arrest and detention by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, describing the incident as an “illegal act” and a gross violation of his fundamental human rights.
According to reports, Nwokorie, who also convenes the African Youth Conference, was arrested by the National Cybercrime Centre and detained for more than 48 hours without a warrant or formal charge, a direct breach of constitutional safeguards. His release followed mounting pressure from civil rights activists and concerned Nigerians.
In a statement issued after his release, Nwokorie narrated the circumstances leading to his arrest. According to him, the ordeal began when his advisory team encouraged him to withdraw a petition concerning an alleged break-in at his residence by Mrs. Genevieve Hillary Opara and her brother, Mr. Gozie Bruno Opara.
Acting on this advice, he visited the office of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), where Mrs. Opara works, to officially retract the petition. However, he claimed he was obstructed by a senior staff member, Mrs. Chioma, reportedly acting under Mrs. Opara’s instructions. Shortly after, Nwokorie was arrested by police officers, allegedly without due process.
“I was arrested without a warrant, forced to make statements under duress, and denied access to medical care,” he said. “This was clearly an abuse of power and a violation of my rights.”
Nwokorie described the allegations made by Mrs. Opara, ranging from blackmail and extortion to cyberbullying and threats to life, as “baseless” and “a calculated attempt to destroy” his reputation.
“It is disturbing to see such flimsy allegations levelled against me. These are false claims made by a woman who has struggled with administrative responsibilities,” he said.
Reacting to Mrs. Opara’s petitions alleging blackmail, threat to life, cyberbullying, and extortion, Nwokorie maintained that his legal team was preparing a criminal defamation suit against her.
“She will have to present credible evidence to support her claims before Nigerians,” he added.
Nwokorie also accused Mrs. Opara’s father, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Hillary Opara, of attempting to interfere in the case. He alleged that the retired DIG placed a phone call to him, vowing to do “whatever it takes” to protect his daughter.
“This is an appalling misuse of influence,” Nwokorie said, reaffirming his determination to pursue justice and clear his name.
He urged the public to disregard what he called “misleading and defamatory allegations,” and called on the Nigerian Police Force to uphold constitutional rights in the execution of its duties.
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