NYSC members sue Anambra Government for ₦1bn over alleged brutal assault and detention by vigilante operatives in Awka, claiming rights violations

NYSC members sue Anambra Government in a ₦1bn rights case following their alleged brutalisation and unlawful detention by operatives of the state vigilante group, Agunechemba.

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The six corps members Jennifer Elohor, Greatness Oyeh, Eze Ikenna, Anighoro Godspower, Feyisara Amore, and Chimenum Wonodi filed the suit before the Federal High Court in Awka, accusing the Anambra State Government and its agents of violating their fundamental rights.

The case, marked FHC/298/2025, names the Anambra State Government, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the State Attorney-General, and the Agunechemba Vigilante Group as respondents.

The plaintiffs are demanding ₦1bn in damages for what they described as inhuman and degrading treatment that left them traumatised and humiliated.

Their lawyer, Cyrus Onu, stated that the corps members suffered mental, physical, emotional, and psychological trauma when the vigilante operatives allegedly stormed their lodge in August, accusing them of being internet fraudsters.

Despite showing their NYSC identity cards, they were reportedly beaten, detained, and filmed in a viral video that drew public outrage.

One of the victims, Jennifer Elohor, was allegedly stripped naked and assaulted by gun-wielding operatives in what the plaintiffs termed an “unprovoked and unlawful attack.”

The court is being asked to declare the actions of the vigilante group illegal, unconstitutional, and a gross violation of their right to dignity and personal liberty.

The plaintiffs also seek a public apology from the respondents to be published in at least two national newspapers and one local newspaper in Anambra State.

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This lawsuit has reignited debate about accountability and human rights protection in Nigeria, particularly the unchecked powers of state-backed vigilante groups.