Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Enugu State Police Command has arraigned a 45-year-old man, Ani Samuel Chidi, over the alleged recording and circulation of a video showing an attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress during a political meeting in the state.
Chidi was arraigned on Monday, October 5, 2026, before the Enugu East Magistrate’s Court sitting at Nkwo Nike, on three counts relating to cybercrime and alleged criminal defamation.
According to the charge sheet, marked MEN/151c/2026, the police accused Chidi of recording and publishing footage of the September 12 attack at Obuoffia Awkunanaw, Enugu, on social media platforms and online media outlets.
The police alleged that Chidi went beyond documenting the incident by falsely identifying three individuals, Ani Nnabuike, Solomon Ifeanyi and Monday Anninwe, as members of the armed group that allegedly invaded and disrupted the NDC meeting.
The charges were brought under Section 24(2)(a) and (c)(i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
The September 12 incident reportedly occurred at a political gathering in Obuoffia Awkunanaw, where NDC members had assembled for a ward meeting. Earlier reports indicated that the police subsequently arrested several people over allegations connected to the attack.
On September 28, reports said a traditional ruler, a former member of the House of Representatives and other suspects were in police custody in connection with the investigation into the alleged attack.
The prosecution alleged that Chidi's publication put one of the persons named in the video in fear of possible attack and constituted an offence under the Cybercrime Act.
Following the arraignment, Chief Magistrate F. E. Chukwu ordered that Chidi be remanded in prison custody.
However, the development has generated controversy, with the Enugu State chapter of the NDC condemning the prosecution. The party described Chidi as a witness who captured video evidence of the attack and alleged that the police were targeting him rather than adequately pursuing those responsible for the violence.
The party also called for an independent investigation into the September 12 incident and urged authorities to ensure that witnesses and victims were protected.
The NDC's position contrasts with the police allegation that Chidi made false accusations against individuals through his publications. Those allegations have not been established by a court.
The case therefore places the question of what was captured in the video, the identities of those involved in the attack and the accuracy of the claims accompanying its circulation before the judicial process.
Chidi remains presumed innocent unless and until the allegations against him are established in court.
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