The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reportedly arrested Elijah Noah, the state coordinator of the OK Movement, during a political march in Uyo, as police detectives in Anambra State have arrested former House of Representatives member Uchenna Igwesi, a prominent traditional ruler and eight other suspects over an alleged violent attack on Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) members in Enugu State.
The reported arrests come amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with allegations of violence, intimidation and attacks on opposition supporters emerging in different parts of the country.
Police Arrest OK Movement Coordinator During Pro-Obi March in Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reportedly arrested Elijah Noah, the state coordinator of the OK Movement, during a planned political march in Uyo, the state capital.
Naija News reports that Esther Umoh, a media aide to Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, disclosed the arrest in a statement shared on X on Thursday.
According to Umoh, Noah was arrested while participating in a peaceful demonstration organised to mobilise support for Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The march, tagged the Two Million Man March, reportedly witnessed the use of tear gas by police officers against supporters participating in the demonstration.
Umoh alleged that the police arrested the OK Movement coordinator while he was peacefully marching through the streets of Uyo.
She stated, “The OK Movement Coordinator for Akwa Ibom State has been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police while marching peacefully on the streets of Uyo.”
The NDC presidential candidate’s aide also alleged that police officers were firing tear gas at Peter Obi’s supporters during the demonstration.
“Tear gas is being fired at Peter Obi supporters in Akwa Ibom as we speak,” she added.
The circumstances surrounding Noah’s arrest and the police command’s response to the allegations were not detailed in the account.
Police Arrest Former Enugu Lawmaker, Traditional Ruler Over NDC Meeting Attack
Meanwhile, detectives from the Zone 13 Police Command in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, have arrested former House of Representatives member Uchenna Igwesi, popularly known as USA Igwesi, and prominent Enugu traditional ruler Igwe Obiora Igwesi over an alleged violent attack on NDC members in Enugu State.
Naija News reports that eight other suspects were also arrested in connection with the incident, which reportedly occurred during an NDC ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The arrests followed an order reportedly issued by the Inspector-General of Police on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in response to a petition dated September 15, 2026.
The petition was written by Chief G. Tagbo Ike, SAN, on behalf of the NDC Obuoffia Ward and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Those arrested alongside Uchenna Igwesi and the traditional ruler include Uchenna Moses Ani, also known as Odogwu; Chidi Ani; Oko Nwodo, popularly called Buzuzu; Dominic Arum, also known as City Hangout; Ifeanyi Solomon Nwobodo, known as Agege; Victor Okechukwu, popularly called Ogboni; Nnabuike Ani, also known as Stone; and John Chukuma Ogbodo.
The suspects are being investigated over allegations including conspiracy to commit a felony, unlawful possession of firearms, attempted murder, assault occasioning grievous harm, threatening violence and stealing.
How the Alleged Attack on NDC Members Happened
According to the petition obtained by SaharaReporters, the alleged attack occurred on September 12, 2026, when members of the NDC gathered for a ward meeting at Ihuani Awkunanaw, Obuoffia, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The petitioners claimed they had obtained the necessary permission from the Divisional Police Station in Agbani before organising the meeting.
The ward is reportedly the home ward of the NDC governorship candidate in Enugu State, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.
The petition alleged that a convoy comprising three cars and two motorcycles drove past the meeting venue before Uchenna Igwesi allegedly issued threats against some party members.
According to the petition, Igwesi allegedly threatened to spill blood and specifically threatened to kill Donald Onovo.
The petition further alleged that gunshots were subsequently fired at the gathering, leaving several party members injured.
The petitioners stated that the incident caused panic among those attending the meeting, with gunfire reportedly striking several individuals.
Eight NDC Members Reportedly Sustain Gunshot Wounds
The alleged attack reportedly left eight people with gunshot wounds, including Hon. Donald Onovo, Hon. Maduka Ngene, the ward chairman, Mr. Victor Onovo, Madam Ogbodo Gloria, Mr. Maduabuchi Ugwu, Mr. Nelson Nnaemeka, Mr. Chinonso Nwagbara and Mr. Obinna Daniel Owo.
The petition also claimed that several other attendees sustained minor injuries during the incident.
The petitioners called for the prosecution of the suspects, arguing that bringing those allegedly responsible before the courts would help uphold the rule of law and prevent further violence as the 2027 general elections approach.
Petition Alleges Coordinated Attacks Across Enugu State
Beyond the September 12 incident, the petition reportedly accused some local government chairmen in Enugu State of sponsoring coordinated armed attacks against political opponents across the state’s 17 local government areas.
The petitioners alleged that the attacks were intended to suppress opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The allegations were included in the petition submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, with the petitioners calling for a comprehensive investigation and appropriate legal action against anyone found culpable.
The claims concerning alleged sponsorship and coordinated attacks remain allegations contained in the petition and have not been established as findings of a court.
The arrests in Enugu and the reported arrest of the OK Movement coordinator in Akwa Ibom have brought renewed attention to concerns about political gatherings, freedom of assembly and security as political activities intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The arrested suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.