“Anambra vigilantes offered N10,000 to silence assaulted NYSC members” – Lawyer
The lawyer representing some National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members assaulted by vigilantes in Anambra State has alleged that the security operatives tried to silence the victims with cash.
Cyrus Onu, the lawyer, revealed that members of the local vigilante group, operating under the codename “Operation Udo-ga-achi,” offered between N10,000 and N100,000 to the corps members in an attempt to keep them quiet.
Six of the victims reportedly received N10,000 each, while others were given amounts ranging from N25,000 to N100,000.
He said: “The leader of the vigilante group in Oba offered them the money in the presence of the NYSC LGI (Local Government Inspector), who also assisted in deleting the video from their phones to get rid of the evidence. Six of them were given N10,000 each, one was given N25,000 cash, another N25,000 via transfer, and lastly, Jennifer was given N100,000—all in an effort to ensure they do not talk about it. They tagged the N10,000 as compensation and transport fare, but in actual truth, it was hush money because they told them not to say anything again about the incident, otherwise their lives depend on it, along with other subtle threats.”
Among those assaulted was Jennifer Edema Elohor, who was stripped and beaten despite her cries for help. The other victims include Greatness Oyeh, Eze Ikenna Emmanuel, Anighoro Godspower, Amore Mordecai Feyisara, and Beauty Chimenum Wonodi.
He further stated that he had petitioned the NYSC to immediately relocate the victims due to threats to their safety.
The lawyer also accused the state police of attempting to cover up the incident, claiming that officials initially ignored the assault and even helped delete video evidence from the victims’ phones.
“From the start, the police were aware of the attack but took no action. Jennifer even sent the video to the Police Public Relations Officer, who promised to respond but failed to do so until the matter gained public attention,” Onu added.
The lawyer is seeking N1 billion in compensation for the victims due to the physical, psychological, and emotional trauma inflicted.
When contacted by PUNCH, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga denied any cover-up, explaining that initial delays in the investigation were due to Jennifer’s temporary unavailability. Ikenga assured that the police are committed to ensuring justice is served.
