Human Rights Activists have urged the Nigeria Police Force, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Social Action and Relief International to investigate an alleged assault involving Miss Ogadinma Minnie Uchechi in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The case, which surfaced on social media, centres on allegations against the Chairman of Ahoada West LGA, Hon. Eugene Cheta Epelle.
According to the accuser, the incident followed a Facebook post she made highlighting the deteriorating and unsafe learning conditions at Community Secondary School, Odiokwu, in Ahoada West — a community reportedly linked to the council chairman.
She said her post appealed to well-meaning individuals to assist in renovating the school.
Miss Ogadinma alleged that the chairman took offence to the post, accusing her of attempting to embarrass him publicly. She claimed that on March 1, 2026, the chairman visited her family compound and reported her to her mother over the social media post.
She further alleged that while her mother was pleading on her behalf, the chairman sighted her and ordered his younger brother to assault her. She claimed she was beaten and struck with a shovel during the incident.
Photographs circulating online purportedly show injuries sustained from the alleged attack.
However, the chairman has denied the allegations through his Chief Press Secretary, Dennis Ezeuwa Lot, describing the claims as false, malicious and deliberately distorted to incite public anger and tarnish his reputation.
In a statement, the council maintained that the chairman did not at any time instruct anyone to assault, intimidate or bully the accuser. According to the statement, the chairman visited the residence for a peaceful discussion with her mother and was verbally provoked by the young woman.
The statement further claimed that the accuser allegedly approached the chairman aggressively and was restrained by a passerby, during which she reportedly lost balance, fell and sustained minor injuries. It insisted that the chairman neither touched her nor directed anyone to do so.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from law enforcement authorities regarding an investigation into the matter.
