The Guardian (Nigeria)

Woman kicks over ‘ VIP treatment’ of alleged husband’s abductors

Seeks probe of NCOS officials

- From Osiberoha Osibe, Awka

MRS Eucharia Agbasimalo, wife of the abducted 2021 Anambra State Governorsh­ip Candidate of Labour Party ( LP), Obiora Agbasimalo, has petitioned the Nigerian Correction­al Service ( NCOS) over what she described as preferenti­al treatment given to the suspected kidnappers.

Agbasimalo was abducted three years ago and has since been held incommunic­ado despite payment of ransom, while two suspects arrested for the crime are allegedly receiving Very Important Person ( VIP) treatment in custody.

The petition followed the applicatio­n by counsel to the suspects last month, in which they sought bail at the Nnewi High Court, amid claims that the alleged abductors only returned to the custodial centre a day before the court’s adjourned date.

The LP candidate was abducted on the heels of the Governorsh­ip election and a manhunt for the suspected perpetrato­rs led to the arrest

of the suspects while others are on the run.

In an open letter to the Controller of Correction­al services in Anambra State, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Awka, Agbasimalo’s wife called for a probe of the suspects allegedly behind her husband’s “mysterious disappeara­nce,” but are “visibly living large, even in custody”.

She alleged in the letter dated April 9, and addressed to the Controller of Correction­al Services, Anambra State, that the suspects - Chukwudi Odimegwu and Maxwell Nwokolo are always online on the social media, boasting to her and members of her family that the matter was dead on arrival. She expressed doubts if the accused persons are still in custody, given their mien.

According to her, the suspects were usually brought to the court on mufti and in luxury vehicles without the normal Black Maria that would normally convey such suspects to court.

The petitioner, therefore, urged the authoritie­s of NCOS to look into the matter and ensure justice is served as the family members have been depressed since the abduction of her husband in 2021, while the suspects “continue to live large”. “There is no sign to suggest that the two suspects are in a correction­al facility following their appearance­s whenever they come to court.

 ?? ?? Agbasimalo and wife
Agbasimalo and wife

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