The Ahoada Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed its “strongest condemnation” of the “barbaric assault and injury” allegedly inflicted on a young lady by the Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State, Hon. Eugene Epelle Cheta and his brothers and security guards.

According to a statement personally signed by the Branch Chairman, Mr. Ihua Maduenyi and made available to CITY LAWYER, the branch has also called for an “immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into the incident by the relevant law enforcement authorities, with the culprits brought to book, no matter how highly placed, as nobody is above the law.”

Saying that it stands “We stand “in solidarity with all citizens who peacefully demand accountability and better governance,” the branch demanded “A public reaffirmation by all public officials within the Local Government Area of their commitment to civility, accountability, and the rule of law.”

PRESS RELEASE
Condemnation of the Alleged Assault on a Female Citizen named Willie Miller on Sunday 1st of March 2026 by the Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State, Hon Eugene Epelle Cheta and his brothers and security guards.

The Ahoada Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) expresses its strongest condemnation of the reported barbaric assault and injury allegedly inflicted on the young lady, who was beaten up and her lips broken, who incidentally hails from the same Odiokwu Community as the Executive Chairman.

According to reports available to the Branch, the victim’s only “offence” was constructively criticising the Local Government administration over the failure to repair a dilapidated public school within the community, the Community Secondary School. If these allegations are confirmed, such conduct represents a grave abuse of office, a violation of fundamental human rights, and a direct assault on democratic values.

In a constitutional democracy such as ours, freedom of expression and the right of citizens to hold public office holders accountable are sacrosanct. Public office is a position of trust, not intimidation. Elected officials must be prepared to tolerate scrutiny, dissent, and constructive criticism, especially where it concerns issues of public welfare such as education and infrastructure.

The NBA Ahoada Branch views any form of physical violence against a citizen — particularly a woman expressing legitimate concerns about governance — as unacceptable, unlawful, and a stain on public leadership. No public officer is above the law, and no grievance justifies resort to violence.

We therefore call for:
An immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into the incident by the relevant law enforcement authorities, with the culprits brought to book, no matter how highly placed, as nobody is above the law.

The urgent treatment of the injuries sustained by the victim, Willie Miller and protection of the victim and any witnesses from intimidation or harassment.

A public reaffirmation by all public officials within the Local Government Area of their commitment to civility, accountability, and the rule of law.

The NBA Ahoada Branch remains committed to the defence of the rule of law, protection of fundamental rights, and the promotion of responsible governance across Nigeria.

We stand in solidarity with all citizens who peacefully demand accountability and better governance. Violence and intimidation have no place in our democratic society.

Chairman Ihua-Maduenyi, Esq
Chairman
Nigerian Bar Association
Ahoada Branch
Date: 2nd March 2026

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