The lawyer representing some National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members allegedly assaulted by vigilantes in Anambra State has accused the security operatives of attempting to silence the victims with cash payments.
Cyrus Onu, counsel to the victims, claimed that members of the local vigilante group known as Operation Udo-ga-achi offered between ₦10,000 and ₦100,000 to the corps members as a bribe to keep them from speaking out.
According to him, six victims received ₦10,000 each, while others were given sums ranging from ₦25,000 to ₦100,000. Among those assaulted was Jennifer Edema Elohor, who was stripped and beaten despite her pleas for help. Other victims were identified as Greatness Oyeh, Eze Ikenna Emmanuel, Anighoro Godspower, Amore Mordecai Feyisara, and Beauty Chimenum Wonodi.
Onu said the money, described by the vigilantes as “compensation and transport fare,” was in reality a hush payment. “They told the victims not to speak about the incident again, warning that their lives depended on it,” he alleged.
The lawyer disclosed that he had petitioned the NYSC to urgently relocate the corps members due to threats to their safety. He further accused the state police of complicity, alleging that officers initially ignored the assaults 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 said.
He is seeking ₦1 billion in compensation for the victims, citing physical, psychological, and emotional trauma.
When contacted, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, denied any cover-up, explaining that delays in the investigation were due to Jennifer’s temporary unavailability. He assured that the command remains committed to ensuring justice.
Source: www.gistreel.com
