Police Move Against Suspects As Ex-Lawmaker, Monarch, Eight Others Arrested Over NDC Attack

Detectives from the Zone 13 Command in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, have arrested former House of Representatives member Uchenna Igwesi, popularly known as USA Igwesi, prominent Enugu traditional ruler Igwe Obiora Igwesi, and eight other suspects in connection with a violent attack during a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the arrests followed an order issued by the Inspector-General of Police on September 22, 2026, based on a petition dated September 15 and submitted by Chief G. Tagbo Ike, SAN, on behalf of the NDC Obuoffia Ward.

Other suspects arrested in connection with the incident include Uchenna Moses Ani, also known as Odogwu; Chidi Ani; Oko Nwodo, popularly known as Buzuzu; Dominic Arum, also known as City Hangout; Ifeanyi Solomon Nwobodo, also known as Agege; Victor Okechukwu, also known as Ogboni; Nnabuike Ani, also known as Stone; and John Chukuma Ogbodo.

The petition, addressed to the Inspector-General of Police at Force Headquarters in Abuja, accused the suspects of conspiracy to commit a felony, unlawful possession of firearms, attempted murder, assault occasioning grievous harm, threatening violence and stealing. The allegations remain subject to investigation.

The incident reportedly occurred on September 12, 2026, when members of the party gathered at Ihuani Awkunanaw in Obuoffia for a ward meeting. The petitioners said they had obtained permission from the Agbani Divisional Police Station to hold the gathering.

The ward is also identified as the home ward of the NDC governorship candidate, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.

According to the petition, a convoy consisting of three vehicles and two motorcycles allegedly drove past the meeting venue, during which Igwesi was accused of making threats against members of the gathering. The petition further alleged that gunshots were subsequently fired, causing panic and injuries among those attending the meeting.

Eight people were reportedly injured by gunfire in the incident. They were identified as Hon. Donald Onovo, Hon. Maduka Ngene, the ward chairman, Victor Onovo, Ogbodo Gloria, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nelson Nnaemeka, Chinonso Nwagbara and Obinna Daniel Owo.

The petition also alleged that several other attendees sustained minor injuries during the incident.

The petitioners called for the suspects to be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law, arguing that decisive action was necessary to prevent further violence as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The petition further alleged that several parts of Enugu State had recently witnessed coordinated armed attacks which the petitioners claimed were aimed at suppressing opposition activities. The claim is part of the allegations contained in the petition and has not been independently established.

Police authorities are expected to investigate the allegations and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and the roles, if any, played by those arrested.