HURIWA DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF BENJAMIN KALU’S CONSTITUENT, SEEKS ₦100M COMPENSATION OVER ALLEGED UNLAWFUL DETENTION

PRESS STATEMENT

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)

HURIWA DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF BENJAMIN KALU’S CONSTITUENT, SEEKS ₦100M COMPENSATION OVER ALLEGED UNLAWFUL DETENTION

Warns Deputy Speaker Against Intimidating Constituents Who Demand Accountability

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Emenike Okorie, a constituent of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who is reportedly languishing at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

HURIWA also demands ₦100 million compensation for Okorie over what it describes as his alleged arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention, insisting that the Nigerian state must take responsibility for any abuse of citizens’ fundamental rights.

The association says it is particularly disturbed that a Nigerian citizen who reportedly questioned his elected representative over the management of public funds should allegedly end up behind bars.

HURIWA alleges that Okorie’s ordeal followed questions he raised about billions of naira reportedly received by Benjamin Kalu from the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government in his capacity as a member of the House of Representatives.

The association asks: When did demanding accountability from an elected representative become a criminal offence in Nigeria? Why should a constituent who seeks explanations about public resources allegedly find himself languishing in prison?

HURIWA says democracy cannot survive where elected officials allegedly deploy their influence to silence critics, intimidate constituents and punish citizens for asking legitimate questions about public funds.

The association specifically appeals to Benjamin Kalu, as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, to intervene immediately and ensure Okorie’s unconditional release.

HURIWA warns that public office is not a licence for intimidation or political persecution. Nigerians elect representatives to serve them, not to turn public institutions into instruments of personal retaliation against those who demand accountability.

The association expresses additional concern over Okorie’s physical condition, particularly as the young man uses a walking stick. HURIWA says his reported incarceration raises troubling questions about the treatment of vulnerable citizens within the criminal justice system.

HURIWA insists that the Federal Government must investigate the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention and pay him ₦100 million compensation if the allegations of unlawful detention and violation of his fundamental rights are established.

The association says the continued detention of a citizen over alleged criticism of an elected official would represent a dangerous precedent capable of discouraging public participation, free expression and democratic accountability.

HURIWA also says the reported hostile reception Benjamin Kalu encountered during his recent engagement with residents of Item community should remind political office holders that public trust must be earned through transparency, responsible representation and respect for constituents.

The association warns that elected officials who fail to distinguish between public office and personal authority risk deepening public distrust in democratic institutions.

HURIWA therefore demands:

1. The immediate and unconditional release of Emenike Okorie.
2. An independent investigation into the circumstances of his arrest and continued detention.
3. ₦100 million compensation from the Nigerian state if unlawful detention and violation of his fundamental rights are established.
4. An end to any attempt to intimidate or criminalise citizens for demanding accountability from elected representatives.

HURIWA reiterates that no Nigerian should lose his freedom for asking an elected representative to account for public resources. We in HURIWA joins the Abuha based human rights lawyer Mr. Deji Adeyanju to demand the immediate release of Mr. Emenike Okorie from Kuje Correctional Centre.

Democracy demands accountability, not intimidation. Public office is a trust, not a throne.

Signed:

Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
National Coordinator,
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA).

November 9, 2026.