ENUGU, Nigeria — The Enugu State Police Command has defended the arrest and prosecution of 45-year-old Ani Samuel Chidi, insisting that the case against him concerns alleged cyberbullying, false accusations and threats of violence rather than his recording of an armed attack on a political meeting of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The police clarification followed public criticism over Chidi’s arraignment and remand in custody after he recorded and shared footage of the reported attack on an NDC gathering in Obuoffia-Awkunanaw, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, 2026, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said the prosecution arose from complaints submitted by residents who accused Chidi of publishing videos containing allegations against them.
According to the police, the Ozalla Police Division received the complaint on September 12 from Ani Nnabuike, Aninwene Monday and others. The matter was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Police Explain Allegations Against Chidi
The command alleged that Chidi circulated videos accusing the complainants, former lawmaker Hon. U.S.A. Igwesi and Solomon Ifeanyi Nwobodo of masterminding the attack on the NDC meeting.
The police further alleged that Chidi described Igwesi as a drug dealer who had sent gunmen to kill members of his own community. Ndukwe said investigators found that Chidi could not substantiate the allegations contained in the videos.
The police spokesperson maintained that the allegations of cyberbullying and threats of violence formed the basis of the prosecution.
Chidi was subsequently arraigned before a magistrate court in Enugu State on three counts relating to alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation under Section 24(2)(a) and (c)(i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
The court ordered his remand in custody while the case proceeds.
The police position contrasts with the public controversy surrounding Chidi’s role in recording the reported attack. The command said the cybercrime case is separate from the investigation into the invasion of the NDC meeting, which is being handled by the Zone 13 Headquarters in Ukpo, Anambra State.
NDC Raises Concerns Over Prosecution
The NDC has criticised the handling of the matter, alleging that the authorities are prosecuting a man who captured evidence of the violence while failing to ensure accountability for those responsible for the attack.
Reports on the incident said armed men disrupted an NDC ward meeting in Obuoffia-Awkunanaw on September 12, with gunfire reportedly leaving people injured. The incident prompted police investigations and raised concerns about the safety of political gatherings in the state.
Earlier reports indicated that Chidi was arraigned on October 5 and remanded after being accused of publishing footage and making allegations against individuals whom the police said were wrongly implicated.
The competing accounts have intensified debate over the circumstances of his arrest and the distinction between documenting a public incident and allegedly publishing defamatory or threatening statements about individuals.
Police Promise Neutrality
Ndukwe urged members of the public to disregard claims that the police released suspected attackers while detaining Chidi solely for filming the incident.
Commissioner of Police Mamman Giwa, according to the statement, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to neutrality and warned political actors against using social media to commit offences.
The police have maintained that the prosecution concerns the alleged content of Chidi’s publications, while the separate investigation into the reported attack remains ongoing.
The case continues to draw attention to political security, freedom of expression and the responsibility of social media users to substantiate serious allegations. The allegations against Chidi remain matters for the court to determine, while questions surrounding the reported attack must be addressed through the separate investigation.
