Imo widow pleads for freedom from police detention

A human rights group, Onurube, has appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and secure the release of Mrs. Perpetua Oparaocha from police detention in Imo State.

Oparaocha was arrested on September 13, 2024, from her shop in Umunachi village by men claiming to be police officers from the SCID.

According to Marjorie Ezihe, convener of Onurube, the widow’s detention is related to her late husband’s property.

The complainants allegedly offered Oparaocha N10 million to drop her support for her in-laws’ legal action and sign an MOU relinquishing ownership of the land. However, Oparaocha requested legal counsel, citing her student account’s inability to handle large funds.

Onurube claims that Oparaocha’s family is already in court battling the complainants, who aim to intimidate and take over the widow’s late husband’s property in Anambra State.

The group urges the IGP to: Release Oparaocha: from police detention for medical attention, considering her hunger strike and underlying health issues.

Protect Oparaocha’s Family: ensure the safety and security of Oparaocha, her daughter, and the Oparaocha and Nwagbo families.