Nigeria's IGP Tells Senate That Chijioke Iloanya Disappeared From Police Custody 12 Years Ago.

Do you remember Chijioke Iloanya? He was waiting to start University at the time he was arrested

The Inspector General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun through his representative, has told the House of Representatives committee on public petitions that they cannot provide an update on the matter of Chijioke Iloanya because the officers in charge of the case are retired, and the files cannot be traced.

Chijioke Iloanya, born in 1992, was waiting to start university at the time he was arrested [Chika Oduah/Al Jazeera]

Iloanya was arrested by the Akwuzu Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) - led by CSP James Nwafor - in Anambra State in November 2012 and disappeared in custody. He has not been found since.

“The officers who are mentioned in this petition are all retired, and they all served last in Anambra state.” the IG’s representative said. “The timeframe was too short for us to get across to them and get their input. Or alternatively know if we can bring them before this committee”

The representative made the statement while responding to a summons by the House committee headed by Honourable Mike Etiaba following a petition from the victim’s sister, Obianuju Iloanya who was represented at the hearing by Falana & Falana chambers. 

The proceedings are captured in a new documentary ‘Where is Chijioke?’ released on October, 23 2024. The documentary is directed by award-winning filmmaker and host Chude Jideonwo.
Oluwole Busayo Oke a member of the committee responding to the police,  said, “The I.G should have cleared with the report of the investigation of this matter. We are all human beings, We can move this case till Monday but how or why, we do not know. To say that something that happened in 2012 has not been investigated, and you just want to start investigating (come on).”

The documentary follows the 10-day protest by 28-year-old Obianuju in front of the National Assembly demanding accountability in the case of her missing brother, who was 20 years old when he was arrested, and for definite information on his status.
“I have decided to go on my own and demand justice for my brother again. I decided on a solo protest because the last time I had a full protest or we had a full protest in Nigeria, people were killed just for protesting and I have lived for a survivor’s guilt for a while now. I can’t get it in my heart to pull people or ask them to come out on the street and join me. So, I have decided to do it alone” she said.