A disability rights advocate and President of Initiative for Eradication of Poverty and Empowerment for the Disabled (IFEPED), Mr. Ugwu Victor Clifford, who is blind, has alleged that he was wrongfully arrested and detained by police officers in Enugu State on Friday, November 8, 2024. Mr. Clifford made this known in a statement published on his social media page, recounting the incident and his subsequent prosecution.
According to Mr. Clifford, the arrest was carried out around 5:20 p.m. after he received a phone call from the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih. He stated that he had not been invited for questioning previously, nor informed of any complaint or petition against him.
He further alleged that the Head of Rehabilitation in the ministry, Mrs. Ann Anike, arrived at his location with four police officers, who took him into custody. He was then taken to the Commissioner’s office where instructions were allegedly issued for his detention and for him to be charged to court the following Tuesday, November 12.
Mr. Clifford also claimed that the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Enugu State, Comrade Onyebuchi Mba, was invited to witness and accompany the police to the Uwani Police Station where he was held.
He noted that on November 12, 2024, he was arraigned before Enugu North Magistrate Court One, and his release was eventually secured after legal representation from Barr. Kelechi Ologwu and other advocates. The case, he said, was eventually struck out on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, after six court appearances.
Mr. Clifford stated that as a result of the experience, he has dedicated the 8th day of every month to visiting inmates, describing it as a personal reminder of the period of his detention.
Inclusion Post Correspondent Speaks with JONAPWD Chairman
In the interest of balance, Inclusion Post reached out to Comrade Onyebuchi Mba to hear his side of the story.
In his response, Comrade Mba stated that he had no personal stake in the matter and did not influence Mr. Clifford’s arrest or detention. He explained that his presence at the police station was based on a call from the Commissioner’s office regarding government-led harmonization efforts among disability organizations in the state.
He noted:
“I don’t have any special interest in Mr. Victor’s predicament. My role is to ensure the rights and interests of persons with disabilities are protected and promoted.”
Comrade Mba emphasized that membership in JONAPWD is voluntary and rooted in human rights principles of free association. He encouraged all disability-led organizations to operate within legal frameworks and work collaboratively to promote inclusion and accessibility in the state.
He reaffirmed c’s commitment to advocating for dignity, equality, and opportunities for persons with disabilities in Enugu State and across Nigeria.
Inclusion Post will continue to follow developments and provide updates on matters affecting the disability community across the country.
