By Adadainfo
Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, Abakaliki, Tuesday, declared the Ebubeagu Security Network of Ebonyi State illegal.
The ruling was sequel to a suit filed by the director of media and publicity in the Ebonyi PDP Governorship Campaign Organisation, Mr Abia Onyeike.
This followed Onyeike’s abduction and torture by the security outfit in November, 2022. Justice Aluko also awarded N50m damages in his favour..
The court held that Ebonyi State House of Assembly does not have the powers to create the outfit, and directed the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police to take over the guns and logistics of the disbanded group.
Our correspodent gathered that the outfit, which is an initiative of the Southeast Governors’ Forum, came into existence in Ebonyi State in April 2021 with the mandate of collaborating with conventional security agencies to maintain law and order in the state.
However, Ebubeagu has come under criticism in the state with claims that Gov Dave Umahi was using it as a tool to intimidate the opposition.
Recall that the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) had on Sunday called for the disbandment of the group.
The leader of the group, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, told newsmen in Abakaliki that Gov Dave Umahi was using the security network to commit human rights violations.
Quoting him, “If nothing is done to disband the security outfit, the would experience inexplicable bloodbath that would be perpetrated by the happy-trigger group.
“Ebubeagu is now a terror to villagers and a tool of harassment, torture and intimidation against any perceived political enemy of Governor Umahi. The activities of Ebubeagu are becoming worrisome and unbearable.
“The National Security Adviser, National Director of State Security Service, Inspector General of Police must as a matter of urgency understand that Ebubeagu in Ebonyi State is a time bomb waiting to blow.”
