The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has inaugurated a Human Rights Committee to address rising cases of alleged extortion, unlawful arrests, harassment and prolonged detention of Ndigbo within Nigeria and across the Diaspora.
The decision was approved by the Global Executive Council (GEC) of the organisation during its meeting held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Ohanaeze National Secretariat in Enugu.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, the body said the committee was constituted in response to “myriad complaints and disturbing reports” suggesting that many Igbos, especially youths, had become victims of intimidation, extortion and unlawful detention in different parts of the country.
According to the statement, the committee is expected to identify cases and areas involving alleged human rights violations and victimisation of Ndigbo both at home and abroad.
Ohanaeze stated that the committee would also develop a strategic framework for engagement and visitation to affected persons in order to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuses.
“The Committee was established in response to the myriad of complaints and disturbing reports indicating that many Ndigbo, particularly youths, have become victims of extortion, harassment, intimidation, unlawful arrests, and prolonged detention in various parts of the country,” the statement read.
The organisation announced Barr. Chizoba Iheka, Assistant National Legal Adviser of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, as chairman of the committee, expressing confidence in his legal expertise and commitment to justice.
“The Committee is chaired by Barr. Chizoba Iheka, whose wealth of legal experience and commitment to justice are expected to guide the Committee in carrying out this important national assignment,” Dr. Chukwu stated.
Ohanaeze further reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and constitutional freedoms of Ndigbo globally, insisting that no citizen should suffer unlawful treatment or discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, political opinion or social status.
The organisation also called on security agencies, human rights institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to cooperate with the committee in the interest of justice and the rule of law.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide remains deeply committed to the protection of the rights, dignity, and constitutional freedoms of Ndigbo everywhere,” the statement added.
The body reassured Ndigbo across the world that it would continue to pursue lawful and constructive measures aimed at safeguarding the welfare, security and fundamental rights of its people.
