ADC petitions police, seeks immediate release of Abia Chairman detained over disputed allegations

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

African Democratic Congress (ADC) has petitioned the Abia State Police Command, demanding the immediate release of its State Chairman, Don Norman Obinna, who was detained over what the party describes as false and politically motivated allegations.

According to the Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC), Abia State Chapter, Chiamaka Ohaja, two days ago, their courageous State Chairman, Don Norman Obinna, voluntarily honoured an invitation from the Abia State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding a petition filed against him.

Upon arrival, it became clear that the petition, authored by a suspended party member, Mr. Udom Uche, was a fabrication.

The petitioner alleged that on 8 November 2025, Don Norman Obinna and the Umuahia North ADC Chairman, Chief Emma Emenike, attacked him with a shotgun at Abia Hotels and stole ₦1.3 million.

After thorough investigation, the Police reportedly found the claims baseless and struck out the charge of armed robbery, describing the allegations as malicious and unsupported.

Despite the investigators’ decision to grant bail, the Abia State Commissioner of Police allegedly intervened personally and blocked the release, stating that he was acting on “orders from above.”

The ADC considered the interference a serious breach of the rule of law and a clear indication that political forces are manipulating the Police for partisan ends.

The party maintained that Abians “know where these orders are coming from” and accuses Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Governor Alex Otti of orchestrating the situation to intimidate opposition voices, a claim both men have not responded to at the time of this release.

According to the ADC, Don Norman Obinna’s only “offence” is his refusal to compromise the independence of the party or allow Abia to become a one-party enclave.

The party states that the incident was part of a broader pattern of harassment, intimidation, and attempts to silence voices critical of the current administration.

“Today, they have come for the ADC in broad daylight. Tomorrow, no Abian will be safe to speak, belong, or believe differently,” the party warns.

The party called for immediate and unconditional release of Don Norman Obinna and Chief Emma Emenike within 24 hours.

A public apology from the Abia State Police Command for allegedly allowing itself to be used for political persecution, and full investigation by the Inspector-General of Police, and sanctions for any officer who acted outside the law.

The party urged its members across all 17 Local Government Areas and 184 Wards to remain fearless and united.

“They can detain our Chairman, but they cannot detain our conviction,” the ADC declares.

“The night may be dark, but morning is coming. And when the sun rises over Abia again, it will shine on a State governed by the people, for the people.”