By Victor Okoye
Owerri, Feb. 2, 2026 – A legal practitioner in Imo, Barr. Clement Chinaka has petitioned the Imo State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS) over the alleged abduction and attempted murder of his clients.
The victims, Mr. Matthew Chigbu and Mr. Benjamin Chigbu were reportedly attacked by suspected thugs acting on behalf of a relative, Mr. Clifford Chigbu in separate incidents on Dec. 30, 2025, and Jan. 10, 2026, respectively.
Chinaka also petitioned the Ngor-Okpala Local Government Council through its Chairman, Hon. Chika Ibekwe, urging urgent intervention to prevent further violence.
Addressing newsmen at the weekend, Chinaka said the lives of his clients were in grave danger following what he described as a coordinated and violent attack.
“My clients are currently battling for their lives at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, after being brutally assaulted and abducted,” he said.
The incident reportedly occurred at the residence of the late Daniel Nkwo Chigbu in Uvuru Ntu, Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area.
According to Chinaka, available information indicates that the attack was planned and executed by hired thugs allegedly acting under the direction of Mr. Clifford Chigbu, who is based in the United States.
He alleged that Clifford operated through close collaborators, including Bartholomew Chigbu and his children, Chinonso and Chibuzo, who he identified as prime suspects.
“The crux of this matter is an unlawful attempt to evict my clients from their ancestral home, contrary to established cultural and traditional norms,” Chinaka said.
He explained that the dispute followed the death of the family patriarch and matriarch, after which Clifford allegedly declared himself the sole owner of the family compound.
Chinaka said community customs recognise equal inheritance rights among male children, regardless of maternal lineage.
He added that the matter was earlier taken before village elders and the traditional ruler, who ruled against any eviction from the compound.
Despite the ruling, Chinaka said tensions escalated, leading to the violent attack on his clients.
He called on security agencies to act swiftly to arrest those responsible and prevent a breakdown of law and order in the community.
“This is not just a family dispute; it is a criminal matter involving attempted murder and kidnapping,” Chinaka said.
He urged authorities to ensure justice and protect the lives of his clients and other vulnerable family members. (NAN)
