
Harassed in Germany for Not Supporting IPOB and Detained in Nigeria as IPOB Member , Who is After My Life?” – Ikechukwu Cries Out
When Chief Ichie Ikechukwu Okafor, left his comfort place of abode in a faraway Germany, back home to Nigeria, in his bid to contribute wealth and experience to the development of his father’s land, Nigeria, through diaspora engagements and to attract foreign investments to his country; little did he know that the ever peaceful socio-political environment he left behind year’s back has been hijacked and rendered hostile against well-meaning indigenes, by those he described as mischievous lords who never meant well for anyone and the Nigerian nation at large.

The lamentation of Akwuzu, Oyi Local Government’s born Okafor, did not end with the arrests and abuse of his fundamental human rights to fair hearing and treatment by the men of the state security services, the DSS, which according to him instigated to detain him for five months.
According to him, the threat to his life has become another source of worry for the German-trained businessman. His residence was attacked, and raised with fire while properties were destroyed. Saved for the security architecture around his doors that prevents hoodlums from gaining access, probably he would have been killed by now, or kidnapped to the unknown by assailants numbering over a hundred men.
At a press conference, organized to sensitize Nigerians on the unholy developments in his country’s home, Anambra, vis-à-vis the looming crisis in his community, Okwuzu, and other community in the region; the Diaspora-Nigeria emphasized that the security situation in the South-East indeed calls for concern and must be addressed as Nigeria head for general elections in the coming months. He noted Nigeria stands a greater risk of another set of violence and insecurity to lives and properties, should certain interests in the region are not called to order.

Hear him: “I am a Nigerian that lives in Diaspora, I live in Germany, studied in Germany, I read Business Law, Anthropology, and African Study. I have Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees.
”I want to use this opportunity to say that I’ve been making my own contributions to Nigeria, bringing investors from Europe, and other aspects that I think I can do to promote the name of Nigeria.
“I am also an activist. I formed a union where I studied at the University of Cologne, in Germany, to assist Nigerian Students who came to study in Germany but have a language problem.
“We were the ones that organized that notorious New Farm festival in 2019, where Ekweremadu was attacked and we were assaulted. Though branded notorious because of its notoriety, which was not intended but to promote the name of Nigeria through the New Yam Festival. I invited Nigeria’ in Diaspora that are here, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany; they recognize it.”He opined.
Narrating his predicaments, Okafor told the press how his fundamental human rights were grossly abused by men of the Nigerian security operatives, who accused him of crimes he was never part of, neither was any link between him and the IPOB or any similar organization of such, yet he was in detention for five months while his businesses suffered, including his family outside Nigeria.
“In 2019, my community approached me to be an Ichie, which is a community head, and I handled the activities of my community.
“We have the Igwe, and Ochie, who is the head of their various communities, while the Igwe is from Ogwuta. The Igwe cannot interfere in the activities in those communities.

“Why I came to talk to the media right now is to express my views about happening especially in the South-East, and the role that the traditional institution played in the aspect of security, especially as the forthcoming election is near.
“This is a brief background of how I came into the happenings in my community. I am not a politician, I don’t belong to any political party. I am just a Nigerian to the core. I came in contact with political activity when I was made the Ochie in 2019.
“The Igwe of my town is Prof. Charles Anikwueze. He called for a meeting with the Ochies, the community and some well-placed Nigerians and some members of the House of Reps to look into the activities and issues of the town and see how they can be resolved. We held a series of meetings with everyone, the elites, the secretaries, the wards, etc.
“However, in my sincerity, I came to Nigeria to do the best I can for my community. I never knew there was more than meets the eye.
“Sometimes in 2020, we held a meeting comprising the Igwe, the Ochies, and elites among others, to look into issues and we find out that there are lingering issues unresolved in most communities in the South-East. I later discovered that political institution has been inactive, which creates security loopholes. I came home, we discussed, and I suggested how we could discuss these matters.
“I never knew there was money coming from the state government, but I was not interested. I was only interested in moving the community forward. During the meeting in question, I made suggestions I didn’t know did not go down well with some people. This led to the Igwe, Prof. Charles Anikwueze, accusing me of instigating his own people to do what I did to Ekweremadu in Germany.
“The Igwe went further to write a petition to the DSS against me, alleging so many things.
“Meanwhile, there are things that are alien to my community. We have nothing such as kidnapping and torture, among others.
“Today, to talk about insecurity in the South-East is a very delicate issue, especially for people like me; one has to be very careful in the formulation of his suggestions or critics.
“But the Igwe wrote a petition against me to the DSS concerning some Navies that were killed in the South East, in a community close to my town. I was behind the operations that killed the Navy men, he said. I was the one that burnt thirteen zonal police headquarters in Anambra state, he said. He alleged so many things, such as I was bringing weapons from abroad; he said I masterminded the attack on Ekweremadu in Germany.
“After all that, I was arrested by the DSS, and detained for five months in 2021.
“Though, I told the DSS thus that I quite understand your predicament, that though you did a terrible job, not investigating on matters before the abuse of my rights.
“The Igwe of a community alleged someone is a terrorist, though falsely, I would have expected a thorough investigation.
“On that note, I wrote a series of letters to the DSS, which I have here with me for Nigerians to see.



“They promised they will look into it, but I’ve not heard anything from them.
In his narration, Chief Okafor, further told the press how those responsible for his detention by the DSS would stop at nothing to stop his advocacy for peace and due diligence in his community and the Anambra state at large. The attack on his residence by men numbering over one hundred is another too many:
He speaks further:
“I was the one that initiated a peace meeting that things are getting out of hand; there will be an election in Anambra, so let’s call the stakeholders together that things must not continue this way.
“Even the state government wrote a letter to the Igwe, saying that they are aware of his activities. How the Igwe is causing problems, he should desist from causing mayhem in the community. I will also make a copy of that letter available to you.

“I am married to a German. Prior to these incidents; there was a group of hoodlums numbering close to a hundred men, and they invaded my house and destroyed my property and everything they see. Probably they came to kill or kidnap me, I wouldn’t know.
“Lucky for me, they could not access me; my family has left a couple of days before their invasion, but it was a destruction of everything they could lay their hands on.
“Even when I returned from the DSS detention, they are still not happy; one of them boasted I should not have returned from the DSS given the amount of money they spent to get me perpetually lock up in the DSS facility.
“They sent people to my house on the 1st of December, 2021, and set my house on fire, including cars and other items. Though they ran away, my neighbours saw them, I know them and who they were. I mentioned them by name in my petition. This is not just an allegation.
“I did the same petition to the police, but to date, nothing has been done. “He laments.
Lending his voice to the security situation in some parts of the country, especially how peace could rain in the South-East and its communities as Nigeria prepares for the coming general elections; Okafor reveals certain efforts he has made on how South-East and his community could experience peace during and after the coming general elections:
“As regards the coming general elections this year, I have informed the Director of the DSS that if nothing is done concerning the coming elections, there will be problems.
“These gladiators want to scrap all the existing political structure, including the existing chairpersons, and bring in those who will be loyal to them. This will lead to chaos and all of us, including the government, would be ridiculed before the entire world.
“This is the reason I think I should raise the alarm right now, while it matters.
“To some of us living abroad, you defend your country out there, especially issues of tribalism among other matters that divided us as a people, which are not in the best interests of our nation, and the way the world sees us.
“We need to address these issues collectively as citizens.
“Security in the South-East is very serious. The IPOB and the ESN are there.
“The Igwe of my town said I am the second in command to Nnamdi Kanu, and coincidentally, I was arrested one week after they arrested Kanu in July 2021.
“When issues of this nature are playing, it becomes a very dangerous situation. Some of us who are concerned traditional heads need to talk. With the exposure on our side, the way they brought us up and the environment where we live, we can’t just keep quiet without saying all that I am saying now.
“When things like this are being brought into politics, it becomes very dangerous for everybody.
“For example, the Igwe accused me of killing twenty Fulani herdsmen, and thanks to divine intervention, I am always outside the country when such an incident occurs. How would I have come down to Nigeria, killed Fulani herdsmen, burn down thirteen police divisional headquarters and return to Germany, including the killing of those Naval officers and took their guns to my house, just like that?
“These are the Fulani herdsmen whose relatives have been living with your own in Kano or elsewhere, and the implications of such unfound allegation could lead to reprisals into another ethnic violence across the country.
“What I am saying now is that the issues of national security must be everyone’s concern, even the issues of agitations here and there are serious issues.
“Killings of our security operatives are a trend in the negative that our collective efforts must stem. These are very serious issues that nobody should politicise for selfish gains and go scot-free with it.
“Killing of security operatives in the east is evil, and must not be encouraged or politicized anywhere.
“This is why I am bringing this to the public so that we can all have the peace possible when we work together as a people.
Fielding questions from journalists, Okafor was quick to debunk any affiliations with agitators or groups in Nigeria and outside of it.
Buttressing his claims, he relates an incident in Germany, when he was harassed by the police in Germany, and nearly got expelled from the Ibo Union in Germany for not playing the IPOB game and his recalcitrant attitude towards the group at an event.
“Nothing of such, I was with the DSS for five months. They had my phone with them for five months, with no single link to any group. In fact, I took the Ibo Union to court over there in Germany. I told them not to mix the union affairs with any of the IPOB agenda, though individuals reserve the right to associate, but not the union as an entity.
“I once stop Nnamdi Kanu in 2018, not to come and addressing the Ibo Union in the name of IPOB. I told them they should rent a hall if they want him to come and address them so that anybody coming there has the interest of IPOB at heart.
That you are a member of the Ibo Union does not mean that automatically you must be there. I told him you shouldn’t mix the Ibo meeting with the IPOB meeting whenever we have the Ibo and Nigerian Union’s meeting and all of us become one.
“As I was not the Chairman of the Ibo union, they call the police on me, and the Police have to walk me out. I have to approach the court and I got an injunction, that they must not expel me from the Ibo Union.
“The reason I took an exception, and to prevent them is that, if I allow them to go the way of mixing up IPOB with that of the Ibo Union, I will be a bad ambassador of my country given the roles I have played in bringing unity to bear among Nigerians living in Europe over the years.
“If I have been an IPOB member, I won’t be calling this press conference, and I will also not come out of the DSS custody.” He stressed.
On reasons for the violence in his community, and who is after his life:
“There is a dangerous development going on. The matter is a kind of syndicate, where certain persons want to plant their cronies where official decisions are taken, irrespective of the honour, dignity and qualification of these personalities.
“I have to realize that it is no longer important, including installing people with questionable characters in strategic positions.
”Inappropriate selection of who holds strategic positions in the community, including chairmen positions among others, are some challenges I have with the system. I question some of these things and certain interests within my community are uncomfortable with this.
“I was not too keen on going to court. I would have to pursue some anomalies in court, even sue the DSS over the abuses on me and make money for all the stress and time I spent in their custody. But I would not be doing the country any good, because who do I help apart from my pocket if I go to court?


Harassed in Germany for Not Supporting IPOB and Detained in Nigeria as IPOB Member , Who is After My Life?” – Ikechukwu Cries Out
By Shola Akingboye, 27 January 2023
When Chief Ichie Ikechukwu Okafor, left his comfort place of abode in a faraway Germany, back home to Nigeria, in his bid to contribute wealth and experience to the development of his father’s land, Nigeria, through diaspora engagements and to attract foreign investments to his country; little did he know that the ever peaceful socio-political environment he left behind year’s back has been hijacked and rendered hostile against well-meaning indigenes, by those he described as mischievous lords who never meant well for anyone and the Nigerian nation at large.

The lamentation of Akwuzu, Oyi Local Government’s born Okafor, did not end with the arrests and abuse of his fundamental human rights to fair hearing and treatment by the men of the state security services, the DSS, which according to him instigated to detain him for five months.
According to him, the threat to his life has become another source of worry for the German-trained businessman. His residence was attacked, and raised with fire while properties were destroyed. Saved for the security architecture around his doors that prevents hoodlums from gaining access, probably he would have been killed by now, or kidnapped to the unknown by assailants numbering over a hundred men.
At a press conference, organized to sensitize Nigerians on the unholy developments in his country’s home, Anambra, vis-à-vis the looming crisis in his community, Okwuzu, and other community in the region; the Diaspora-Nigeria emphasized that the security situation in the South-East indeed calls for concern and must be addressed as Nigeria head for general elections in the coming months. He noted Nigeria stands a greater risk of another set of violence and insecurity to lives and properties, should certain interests in the region are not called to order.

Hear him: “I am a Nigerian that lives in Diaspora, I live in Germany, studied in Germany, I read Business Law, Anthropology, and African Study. I have Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees.
”I want to use this opportunity to say that I’ve been making my contributions to Nigeria, bringing investors from Europe, and other aspects that I think I can do to promote the name of Nigeria.
“I am also an activist. I formed a union where I studied at the University of Cologne, in Germany, to assist Nigerian Students who came to study in Germany but have a language problem.
“We were the ones that organized that notorious New Farm festival in 2019, where Ekweremadu was attacked and we were assaulted. Though branded notorious because of its notoriety, which was not intended but to promote the name of Nigeria through the New Yam Festival. I invited Nigeria’ in Diaspora that are here, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany; they recognize it.”He opined.
Narrating his predicaments, Okafor told the press how his fundamental human rights were grossly abused by men of the Nigerian security operatives, who accused him of crimes he was never part of, neither was any link between him and the IPOB or any similar organization of such, yet he was in detention for five months while his businesses suffered, including his family outside Nigeria.
“In 2019, my community approached me to be an Ichie, which is a community head, and I handled the activities of my community.
“We have the Igwe, and Ochie, who is the head of their various communities, while the Igwe is from Ogwuta. The Igwe cannot interfere in the activities in those communities.

“Why I came to talk to the media right now is to express my views about happening especially in the South-East, and the role that the traditional institution played in the aspect of security, especially as the forthcoming election is near.
“This is a brief background of how I came into the happenings in my community. I am not a politician, I don’t belong to any political party. I am just a Nigerian to the core. I came in contact with political activity when I was made the Ochie in 2019.
“The Igwe of my town is Prof. Charles Anikwueze. He called for a meeting with the Ochies, the community and some well-placed Nigerians and some members of the House of Reps to look into the activities and issues of the town and see how they can be resolved. We held a series of meetings with everyone, the elites, the secretaries, the wards, etc.
“However, in my sincerity, I came to Nigeria to do the best I can for my community. I never knew there was more than meets the eye.
“Sometimes in 2020, we held a meeting comprising the Igwe, the Ochies, and elites among others, to look into issues and we find out that there are lingering issues unresolved in most communities in the South-East. I later discovered that political institution has been inactive, which creates security loopholes. I came home, we discussed, and I suggested how we could discuss these matters.
“I never knew there was money coming from the state government, but I was not interested. I was only interested in moving the community forward. During the meeting in question, I made suggestions I didn’t know did not go down well with some people. This led to the Igwe, Prof. Charles Anikwueze, accusing me of instigating his people to do what I did to Ekweremadu in Germany.
“The Igwe went further to write a petition to the DSS against me, alleging so many things.
“Meanwhile, there are things that are alien to my community. We have nothing such as kidnapping and torture, among others.
“Today, to talk about insecurity in the South-East is a very delicate issue, especially for people like me; one has to be very careful in the formulation of his suggestions or critics.
“But the Igwe wrote a petition against me to the DSS concerning some Navies that were killed in the South East, in a community close to my town. I was behind the operations that killed the Navy men, he said. I was the one that burnt thirteen zonal police headquarters in Anambra state, he said. He alleged so many things, such as I was bringing weapons from abroad; he said I masterminded the attack on Ekweremadu in Germany.
“After all that, I was arrested by the DSS, and detained for five months in 2021.
“Though, I told the DSS thus that I quite understand your predicament, that though you did a terrible job, not investigating on matters before the abuse of my rights.
“The Igwe of a community alleged someone is a terrorist, though falsely, I would have expected a thorough investigation.
“On that note, I wrote a series of letters to the DSS, which I have here with me for Nigerians to see.
“They promised they will look into it, but I’ve not heard anything from them.
In his narration, Chief Okafor, further told the press how those responsible for his detention by the DSS would stop at nothing to stop his advocacy for peace and due diligence in his community and the Anambra state at large. The attack on his residence by men numbering over one hundred is another too many:
He speaks further:
“I was the one that initiated a peace meeting that things are getting out of hand; there will be an election in Anambra, so let’s call the stakeholders together that things must not continue this way.
“Even the state government wrote a letter to the Igwe, saying that they are aware of his activities. How the Igwe is causing problems, he should desist from causing mayhem in the community. I will also make a copy of that letter available to you.
“I am married to a German. Before these incidents; there was a group of hoodlums numbering close to a hundred men, and they invaded my house and destroyed my property and everything they see. Probably they came to kill or kidnap me, I wouldn’t know.
“Lucky for me, they could not access me; my family has left a couple of days before their invasion, but it was a destruction of everything they could lay their hands on.
“Even when I returned from the DSS detention, they are still not happy; one of them boasted I should not have returned from the DSS given the amount of money they spent to get me perpetually lock up in the DSS facility.
“They sent people to my house on the 1st of December, 2021, and set my house on fire, including cars and other items. Though they ran away, my neighbours saw them, I know them and who they were. I mentioned them by name in my petition. This is not just an allegation.
“I did the same petition to the police, but to date, nothing has been done. “He laments.
Lending his voice to the security situation in some parts of the country, especially how peace could rain in the South-East and its communities as Nigeria prepares for the coming general elections; Okafor reveals certain efforts he has made on how South-East and his community could experience peace during and after the coming general elections:
“As regards the coming general elections this year, I have informed the Director of the DSS that if nothing is done concerning the coming elections, there will be problems.
“These gladiators want to scrap all the existing political structure, including the existing chairpersons, and bring in those who will be loyal to them. This will lead to chaos and all of us, including the government, would be ridiculed before the entire world.
“This is the reason I think I should raise the alarm right now, while it matters.
“To some of us living abroad, you defend your country out there, especially issues of tribalism among other matters that divided us as a people, which are not in the best interests of our nation, and the way the world sees us.
“We need to address these issues collectively as citizens.
“Security in the South-East is very serious. The IPOB and the ESN are there.
“The Igwe of my town said I am the second in command to Nnamdi Kanu, and coincidentally, I was arrested one week after they arrested Kanu in July 2021.
“When issues of this nature are playing, it becomes a very dangerous situation. Some of us who are concerned traditional heads need to talk. With the exposure on our side, the way they brought us up and the environment where we live, we can’t just keep quiet without saying all that I am saying now.
“When things like this are being brought into politics, it becomes very dangerous for everybody.
“For example, the Igwe accused me of killing twenty Fulani herdsmen, and thanks to divine intervention, I am always outside the country when such an incident occurs. How would I have come down to Nigeria, killed Fulani herdsmen, burn down thirteen police divisional headquarters and return to Germany, including the killing of those Naval officers and took their guns to my house, just like that?
“These are the Fulani herdsmen whose relatives have been living with your own in Kano or elsewhere, and the implications of such unfound allegation could lead to reprisals into another ethnic violence across the country.
“What I am saying now is that the issues of national security must be everyone’s concern, even the issues of agitations here and there are serious.
“Killings of our security operatives are a trend in the negative that our collective efforts must stem. These are very serious issues that nobody should politicise for selfish gains and go scot-free with it.
“Killing of security operatives in the east is evil, and must not be encouraged or politicized anywhere.
“This is why I am bringing this to the public so that we can all have the peace possible when we work together as a people.
Fielding questions from journalists, Okafor was quick to debunk any affiliations with agitators or groups in Nigeria and outside of it.
Buttressing his claims, he relates an incident in Germany, when he was harassed by the police in Germany, and nearly got expelled from the Ibo Union in Germany for not playing the IPOB game and his recalcitrant attitude towards the group at an event.
“Nothing of such, I was with the DSS for five months. They had my phone with them for five months, with no single link to any group. I took the Ibo Union to court over there in Germany. I told them not to mix the union affairs with any of the IPOB agenda, though individuals reserve the right to associate, but not the union as an entity.
“I once stop Nnamdi Kanu in 2018, not to come and addressing the Ibo Union in the name of IPOB. I told them they should rent a hall if they want him to come and address them so that anybody coming there has the interest of IPOB at heart.
That you are a member of the Ibo Union does not mean that automatically you must be there. I told him you shouldn’t mix the Ibo meeting with the IPOB meeting whenever we have the Ibo and Nigerian Union’s meeting and all of us become one.
“As I was not the Chairman of the Ibo union, they call the police on me, and the Police have to walk me out. I have to approach the court and I got an injunction, that they must not expel me from the Ibo Union.
“The reason I took an exception, and to prevent them is that, if I allow them to go the way of mixing up IPOB with that of the Ibo Union, I will be a bad ambassador of my country given the roles I have played in bringing unity to bear among Nigerians living in Europe over the years.
“If I have been an IPOB member, I won’t be calling this press conference, and I will also not come out of the DSS custody.” He stressed.
On reasons for the violence in his community, and who is after his life:
“There is a dangerous development going on. The matter is a kind of syndicate, where certain persons want to plant their cronies where official decisions are taken, irrespective of the honour, dignity and qualification of these personalities.
“I have to realize that it is no longer important, including installing people with questionable characters in strategic positions.
”Inappropriate selection of who holds strategic positions in the community, including chairmen positions among others, are some challenges I have with the system. I question some of these things and certain interests within my community are uncomfortable with this.
“I was not too keen on going to court. I would have to pursue some anomalies in court, even sue the DSS over the abuses on me and make money for all the stress and time I spent in their custody. But I would not be doing the country any good, because who do I help apart from my pocket if I go to court?

Harassed in Germany for Not Supporting IPOB and Detained in Nigeria as IPOB Member , Who is After My Life?” – Ikechukwu Cries Out
By Shola Akingboye, 27 January 2023
When Chief Ichie Ikechukwu Okafor, left his comfort place of abode in a faraway Germany, back home to Nigeria, in his bid to contribute wealth and experience to the development of his father’s land, Nigeria, through diaspora engagements and to attract foreign investments to his country; little did he know that the ever peaceful socio-political environment he left behind year’s back has been hijacked and rendered hostile against well-meaning indigenes, by those he described as mischievous lords who never meant well for anyone and the Nigerian nation at large.

The lamentation of Akwuzu, Oyi Local Government’s born Okafor, did not end with the arrests and abuse of his fundamental human rights to fair hearing and treatment by the men of the state security services, the DSS, which according to him instigated to detain him for five months.
According to him, the threat to his life has become another source of worry for the German-trained businessman. His residence was attacked, and raised with fire while properties were destroyed. Saved for the security architecture around his doors that prevents hoodlums from gaining access, probably he would have been killed by now, or kidnapped to the unknown by assailants numbering over a hundred men.
At a press conference, organized to sensitize Nigerians on the unholy developments in his country’s home, Anambra, vis-à-vis the looming crisis in his community, Okwuzu, and other community in the region; the Diaspora-Nigeria emphasized that the security situation in the South-East indeed calls for concern and must be addressed as Nigeria head for general elections in the coming months. He noted Nigeria stands a greater risk of another set of violence and insecurity to lives and properties, should certain interests in the region are not called to order.

Hear him: “I am a Nigerian that lives in Diaspora, I live in Germany, studied in Germany, I read Business Law, Anthropology, and African Study. I have Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees.
”I want to use this opportunity to say that I’ve been making my own contributions to Nigeria, bringing investors from Europe, and other aspects that I think I can do to promote the name of Nigeria.
“I am also an activist. I formed a union where I studied at the University of Cologne, in Germany, to assist Nigerian Students who came to study in Germany but have a language problem.
“We were the ones that organized that notorious New Farm festival in 2019, where Ekweremadu was attacked and we were assaulted. Though branded notorious because of its notoriety, which was not intended but to promote the name of Nigeria through the New Yam Festival. I invited Nigeria’ in Diaspora that are here, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany; they recognize it.”He opined.
Narrating his predicaments, Okafor told the press how his fundamental human rights were grossly abused by men of the Nigerian security operatives, who accused him of crimes he was never part of, neither was any link between him and the IPOB or any similar organization of such, yet he was in detention for five months while his businesses suffered, including his family outside Nigeria.
“In 2019, my community approached me to be an Ichie, which is a community head, and I handled the activities of my community.
“We have the Igwe, and Ochie, who is the head of their various communities, while the Igwe is from Ogwuta. The Igwe cannot interfere in the activities in those communities.

“Why I came to talk to the media right now is to express my views about happening especially in the South-East, and the role that the traditional institution played in the aspect of security, especially as the forthcoming election is near.
“This is a brief background of how I came into the happenings in my community. I am not a politician, I don’t belong to any political party. I am just a Nigerian to the core. I came in contact with political activity when I was made the Ochie in 2019.
“The Igwe of my town is Prof. Charles Anikwueze. He called for a meeting with the Ochies, the community and some well-placed Nigerians and some members of the House of Reps to look into the activities and issues of the town and see how they can be resolved. We held a series of meetings with everyone, the elites, the secretaries, the wards, etc.
“However, in my sincerity, I came to Nigeria to do the best I can for my community. I never knew there was more than meets the eye.
“Sometimes in 2020, we held a meeting comprising the Igwe, the Ochies, and elites among others, to look into issues and we find out that there are lingering issues unresolved in most communities in the South-East. I later discovered that political institution has been inactive, which creates security loopholes. I came home, we discussed, and I suggested how we could discuss these matters.
“I never knew there was money coming from the state government, but I was not interested. I was only interested in moving the community forward. During the meeting in question, I made suggestions I didn’t know did not go down well with some people. This led to the Igwe, Prof. Charles Anikwueze, accusing me of instigating his own people to do what I did to Ekweremadu in Germany.
“The Igwe went further to write a petition to the DSS against me, alleging so many things.
“Meanwhile, there are things that are alien to my community. We have nothing such as kidnapping and torture, among others.
“Today, to talk about insecurity in the South-East is a very delicate issue, especially for people like me; one has to be very careful in the formulation of his suggestions or critics.
“But the Igwe wrote a petition against me to the DSS concerning some Navies that were killed in the South East, in a community close to my town. I was behind the operations that killed the Navy men, he said. I was the one that burnt thirteen zonal police headquarters in Anambra state, he said. He alleged so many things, such as I was bringing weapons from abroad; he said I masterminded the attack on Ekweremadu in Germany.
“After all that, I was arrested by the DSS, and detained for five months in 2021.
“Though, I told the DSS thus that I quite understand your predicament, that though you did a terrible job, not investigating on matters before the abuse of my rights.
“The Igwe of a community alleged someone is a terrorist, though falsely, I would have expected a thorough investigation.
“On that note, I wrote a series of letters to the DSS, which I have here with me for Nigerians to see.



“They promised they will look into it, but I’ve not heard anything from them.
In his narration, Chief Okafor, further told the press how those responsible for his detention by the DSS would stop at nothing to stop his advocacy for peace and due diligence in his community and the Anambra state at large. The attack on his residence by men numbering over one hundred is another too many:
He speaks further:
“I was the one that initiated a peace meeting that things are getting out of hand; there will be an election in Anambra, so let’s call the stakeholders together that things must not continue this way.
“Even the state government wrote a letter to the Igwe, saying that they are aware of his activities. How the Igwe is causing problems, he should desist from causing mayhem in the community. I will also make a copy of that letter available to you.

“I am married to a German. Prior to these incidents; there was a group of hoodlums numbering close to a hundred men, and they invaded my house and destroyed my property and everything they see. Probably they came to kill or kidnap me, I wouldn’t know.
“Lucky for me, they could not access me; my family has left a couple of days before their invasion, but it was a destruction of everything they could lay their hands on.
“Even when I returned from the DSS detention, they are still not happy; one of them boasted I should not have returned from the DSS given the amount of money they spent to get me perpetually lock up in the DSS facility.
“They sent people to my house on the 1st of December, 2021, and set my house on fire, including cars and other items. Though they ran away, my neighbours saw them, I know them and who they were. I mentioned them by name in my petition. This is not just an allegation.
“I did the same petition to the police, but to date, nothing has been done. “He laments.
Lending his voice to the security situation in some parts of the country, especially how peace could rain in the South-East and its communities as Nigeria prepares for the coming general elections; Okafor reveals certain efforts he has made on how South-East and his community could experience peace during and after the coming general elections:
“As regards the coming general elections this year, I have informed the Director of the DSS that if nothing is done concerning the coming elections, there will be problems.
“These gladiators want to scrap all the existing political structure, including the existing chairpersons, and bring in those who will be loyal to them. This will lead to chaos and all of us, including the government, would be ridiculed before the entire world.
“This is the reason I think I should raise the alarm right now, while it matters.
“To some of us living abroad, you defend your country out there, especially issues of tribalism among other matters that divided us as a people, which are not in the best interests of our nation, and the way the world sees us.
“We need to address these issues collectively as citizens.
“Security in the South-East is very serious. The IPOB and the ESN are there.
“The Igwe of my town said I am the second in command to Nnamdi Kanu, and coincidentally, I was arrested one week after they arrested Kanu in July 2021.
“When issues of this nature are playing, it becomes a very dangerous situation. Some of us who are concerned traditional heads need to talk. With the exposure on our side, the way they brought us up and the environment where we live, we can’t just keep quiet without saying all that I am saying now.
“When things like this are being brought into politics, it becomes very dangerous for everybody.
“For example, the Igwe accused me of killing twenty Fulani herdsmen, and thanks to divine intervention, I am always outside the country when such an incident occurs. How would I have come down to Nigeria, killed Fulani herdsmen, burn down thirteen police divisional headquarters and return to Germany, including the killing of those Naval officers and took their guns to my house, just like that?
“These are the Fulani herdsmen whose relatives have been living with your own in Kano or elsewhere, and the implications of such unfound allegation could lead to reprisals into another ethnic violence across the country.
“What I am saying now is that the issues of national security must be everyone’s concern, even the issues of agitations here and there are serious issues.
“Killings of our security operatives are a trend in the negative that our collective efforts must stem. These are very serious issues that nobody should politicise for selfish gains and go scot-free with it.
“Killing of security operatives in the east is evil, and must not be encouraged or politicized anywhere.
“This is why I am bringing this to the public so that we can all have the peace possible when we work together as a people.
Fielding questions from journalists, Okafor was quick to debunk any affiliations with agitators or groups in Nigeria and outside of it.
Buttressing his claims, he relates an incident in Germany, when he was harassed by the police in Germany, and nearly got expelled from the Ibo Union in Germany for not playing the IPOB game and his recalcitrant attitude towards the group at an event.
“Nothing of such, I was with the DSS for five months. They had my phone with them for five months, with no single link to any group. In fact, I took the Ibo Union to court over there in Germany. I told them not to mix the union affairs with any of the IPOB agenda, though individuals reserve the right to associate, but not the union as an entity.
“I once stop Nnamdi Kanu in 2018, not to come and addressing the Ibo Union in the name of IPOB. I told them they should rent a hall if they want him to come and address them so that anybody coming there has the interest of IPOB at heart.
That you are a member of the Ibo Union does not mean that automatically you must be there. I told him you shouldn’t mix the Ibo meeting with the IPOB meeting whenever we have the Ibo and Nigerian Union’s meeting and all of us become one.
“As I was not the Chairman of the Ibo union, they call the police on me, and the Police have to walk me out. I have to approach the court and I got an injunction, that they must not expel me from the Ibo Union.
“The reason I took an exception, and to prevent them is that, if I allow them to go the way of mixing up IPOB with that of the Ibo Union, I will be a bad ambassador of my country given the roles I have played in bringing unity to bear among Nigerians living in Europe over the years.
“If I have been an IPOB member, I won’t be calling this press conference, and I will also not come out of the DSS custody.” He stressed.
On reasons for the violence in his community, and who is after his life:
“There is a dangerous development going on. The matter is a kind of syndicate, where certain persons want to plant their cronies where official decisions are taken, irrespective of the honour, dignity and qualification of these personalities.
“I have to realize that it is no longer important, including installing people with questionable characters in strategic positions.
”Inappropriate selection of who holds strategic positions in the community, including chairmen positions among others, are some challenges I have with the system. I question some of these things and certain interests within my community are uncomfortable with this.
“I was not too keen on going to court. I would have to pursue some anomalies in court, even sue the DSS over the abuses on me and make money for all the stress and time I spent in their custody. But I would not be doing the country any good, because who do I help apart from my pocket if I go to court?


Harassed in Germany for Not Supporting IPOB and Detained in Nigeria as IPOB Member , Who is After My Life?” – Ikechukwu Cries Out
By Shola Akingboye, 27 January 2023
When Chief Ichie Ikechukwu Okafor, left his comfort place of abode in a faraway Germany, back home to Nigeria, in his bid to contribute wealth and experience to the development of his father’s land, Nigeria, through diaspora engagements and to attract foreign investments to his country; little did he know that the ever peaceful socio-political environment he left behind year’s back has been hijacked and rendered hostile against well-meaning indigenes, by those he described as mischievous lords who never meant well for anyone and the Nigerian nation at large.

The lamentation of Akwuzu, Oyi Local Government’s born Okafor, did not end with the arrests and abuse of his fundamental human rights to fair hearing and treatment by the men of the state security services, the DSS, which according to him instigated to detain him for five months.
According to him, the threat to his life has become another source of worry for the German-trained businessman. His residence was attacked, and raised with fire while properties were destroyed. Saved for the security architecture around his doors that prevents hoodlums from gaining access, probably he would have been killed by now, or kidnapped to the unknown by assailants numbering over a hundred men.
At a press conference, organized to sensitize Nigerians on the unholy developments in his country’s home, Anambra, vis-à-vis the looming crisis in his community, Okwuzu, and other community in the region; the Diaspora-Nigeria emphasized that the security situation in the South-East indeed calls for concern and must be addressed as Nigeria head for general elections in the coming months. He noted Nigeria stands a greater risk of another set of violence and insecurity to lives and properties, should certain interests in the region are not called to order.

Hear him: “I am a Nigerian that lives in Diaspora, I live in Germany, studied in Germany, I read Business Law, Anthropology, and African Study. I have Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees.
”I want to use this opportunity to say that I’ve been making my contributions to Nigeria, bringing investors from Europe, and other aspects that I think I can do to promote the name of Nigeria.
“I am also an activist. I formed a union where I studied at the University of Cologne, in Germany, to assist Nigerian Students who came to study in Germany but have a language problem.
“We were the ones that organized that notorious New Farm festival in 2019, where Ekweremadu was attacked and we were assaulted. Though branded notorious because of its notoriety, which was not intended but to promote the name of Nigeria through the New Yam Festival. I invited Nigeria’ in Diaspora that are here, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany; they recognize it.”He opined.
Narrating his predicaments, Okafor told the press how his fundamental human rights were grossly abused by men of the Nigerian security operatives, who accused him of crimes he was never part of, neither was any link between him and the IPOB or any similar organization of such, yet he was in detention for five months while his businesses suffered, including his family outside Nigeria.
“In 2019, my community approached me to be an Ichie, which is a community head, and I handled the activities of my community.
“We have the Igwe, and Ochie, who is the head of their various communities, while the Igwe is from Ogwuta. The Igwe cannot interfere in the activities in those communities.

“Why I came to talk to the media right now is to express my views about happening especially in the South-East, and the role that the traditional institution played in the aspect of security, especially as the forthcoming election is near.
“This is a brief background of how I came into the happenings in my community. I am not a politician, I don’t belong to any political party. I am just a Nigerian to the core. I came in contact with political activity when I was made the Ochie in 2019.
“The Igwe of my town is Prof. Charles Anikwueze. He called for a meeting with the Ochies, the community and some well-placed Nigerians and some members of the House of Reps to look into the activities and issues of the town and see how they can be resolved. We held a series of meetings with everyone, the elites, the secretaries, the wards, etc.
“However, in my sincerity, I came to Nigeria to do the best I can for my community. I never knew there was more than meets the eye.
“Sometimes in 2020, we held a meeting comprising the Igwe, the Ochies, and elites among others, to look into issues and we find out that there are lingering issues unresolved in most communities in the South-East. I later discovered that political institution has been inactive, which creates security loopholes. I came home, we discussed, and I suggested how we could discuss these matters.
“I never knew there was money coming from the state government, but I was not interested. I was only interested in moving the community forward. During the meeting in question, I made suggestions I didn’t know did not go down well with some people. This led to the Igwe, Prof. Charles Anikwueze, accusing me of instigating his people to do what I did to Ekweremadu in Germany.
“The Igwe went further to write a petition to the DSS against me, alleging so many things.
“Meanwhile, there are things that are alien to my community. We have nothing such as kidnapping and torture, among others.
“Today, to talk about insecurity in the South-East is a very delicate issue, especially for people like me; one has to be very careful in the formulation of his suggestions or critics.
“But the Igwe wrote a petition against me to the DSS concerning some Navies that were killed in the South East, in a community close to my town. I was behind the operations that killed the Navy men, he said. I was the one that burnt thirteen zonal police headquarters in Anambra state, he said. He alleged so many things, such as I was bringing weapons from abroad; he said I masterminded the attack on Ekweremadu in Germany.
“After all that, I was arrested by the DSS, and detained for five months in 2021.
“Though, I told the DSS thus that I quite understand your predicament, that though you did a terrible job, not investigating on matters before the abuse of my rights.
“The Igwe of a community alleged someone is a terrorist, though falsely, I would have expected a thorough investigation.
“On that note, I wrote a series of letters to the DSS, which I have here with me for Nigerians to see.
“They promised they will look into it, but I’ve not heard anything from them.
In his narration, Chief Okafor, further told the press how those responsible for his detention by the DSS would stop at nothing to stop his advocacy for peace and due diligence in his community and the Anambra state at large. The attack on his residence by men numbering over one hundred is another too many:
He speaks further:
“I was the one that initiated a peace meeting that things are getting out of hand; there will be an election in Anambra, so let’s call the stakeholders together that things must not continue this way.
“Even the state government wrote a letter to the Igwe, saying that they are aware of his activities. How the Igwe is causing problems, he should desist from causing mayhem in the community. I will also make a copy of that letter available to you.
“I am married to a German. Before these incidents; there was a group of hoodlums numbering close to a hundred men, and they invaded my house and destroyed my property and everything they see. Probably they came to kill or kidnap me, I wouldn’t know.
“Lucky for me, they could not access me; my family has left a couple of days before their invasion, but it was a destruction of everything they could lay their hands on.
“Even when I returned from the DSS detention, they are still not happy; one of them boasted I should not have returned from the DSS given the amount of money they spent to get me perpetually lock up in the DSS facility.
“They sent people to my house on the 1st of December, 2021, and set my house on fire, including cars and other items. Though they ran away, my neighbours saw them, I know them and who they were. I mentioned them by name in my petition. This is not just an allegation.
“I did the same petition to the police, but to date, nothing has been done. “He laments.
Lending his voice to the security situation in some parts of the country, especially how peace could rain in the South-East and its communities as Nigeria prepares for the coming general elections; Okafor reveals certain efforts he has made on how South-East and his community could experience peace during and after the coming general elections:
“As regards the coming general elections this year, I have informed the Director of the DSS that if nothing is done concerning the coming elections, there will be problems.
“These gladiators want to scrap all the existing political structure, including the existing chairpersons, and bring in those who will be loyal to them. This will lead to chaos and all of us, including the government, would be ridiculed before the entire world.
“This is the reason I think I should raise the alarm right now, while it matters.
“To some of us living abroad, you defend your country out there, especially issues of tribalism among other matters that divided us as a people, which are not in the best interests of our nation, and the way the world sees us.
“We need to address these issues collectively as citizens.
“Security in the South-East is very serious. The IPOB and the ESN are there.
“The Igwe of my town said I am the second in command to Nnamdi Kanu, and coincidentally, I was arrested one week after they arrested Kanu in July 2021.
“When issues of this nature are playing, it becomes a very dangerous situation. Some of us who are concerned traditional heads need to talk. With the exposure on our side, the way they brought us up and the environment where we live, we can’t just keep quiet without saying all that I am saying now.
“When things like this are being brought into politics, it becomes very dangerous for everybody.
“For example, the Igwe accused me of killing twenty Fulani herdsmen, and thanks to divine intervention, I am always outside the country when such an incident occurs. How would I have come down to Nigeria, killed Fulani herdsmen, burn down thirteen police divisional headquarters and return to Germany, including the killing of those Naval officers and took their guns to my house, just like that?
“These are the Fulani herdsmen whose relatives have been living with your own in Kano or elsewhere, and the implications of such unfound allegation could lead to reprisals into another ethnic violence across the country.
“What I am saying now is that the issues of national security must be everyone’s concern, even the issues of agitations here and there are serious.
“Killings of our security operatives are a trend in the negative that our collective efforts must stem. These are very serious issues that nobody should politicise for selfish gains and go scot-free with it.
“Killing of security operatives in the east is evil, and must not be encouraged or politicized anywhere.
“This is why I am bringing this to the public so that we can all have the peace possible when we work together as a people.
Fielding questions from journalists, Okafor was quick to debunk any affiliations with agitators or groups in Nigeria and outside of it.
Buttressing his claims, he relates an incident in Germany, when he was harassed by the police in Germany, and nearly got expelled from the Ibo Union in Germany for not playing the IPOB game and his recalcitrant attitude towards the group at an event.
“Nothing of such, I was with the DSS for five months. They had my phone with them for five months, with no single link to any group. I took the Ibo Union to court over there in Germany. I told them not to mix the union affairs with any of the IPOB agenda, though individuals reserve the right to associate, but not the union as an entity.
“I once stop Nnamdi Kanu in 2018, not to come and addressing the Ibo Union in the name of IPOB. I told them they should rent a hall if they want him to come and address them so that anybody coming there has the interest of IPOB at heart.
That you are a member of the Ibo Union does not mean that automatically you must be there. I told him you shouldn’t mix the Ibo meeting with the IPOB meeting whenever we have the Ibo and Nigerian Union’s meeting and all of us become one.
“As I was not the Chairman of the Ibo union, they call the police on me, and the Police have to walk me out. I have to approach the court and I got an injunction, that they must not expel me from the Ibo Union.
“The reason I took an exception, and to prevent them is that, if I allow them to go the way of mixing up IPOB with that of the Ibo Union, I will be a bad ambassador of my country given the roles I have played in bringing unity to bear among Nigerians living in Europe over the years.
“If I have been an IPOB member, I won’t be calling this press conference, and I will also not come out of the DSS custody.” He stressed.
On reasons for the violence in his community, and who is after his life:
“There is a dangerous development going on. The matter is a kind of syndicate, where certain persons want to plant their cronies where official decisions are taken, irrespective of the honour, dignity and qualification of these personalities.
“I have to realize that it is no longer important, including installing people with questionable characters in strategic positions.
”Inappropriate selection of who holds strategic positions in the community, including chairmen positions among others, are some challenges I have with the system. I question some of these things and certain interests within my community are uncomfortable with this.
“I was not too keen on going to court. I would have to pursue some anomalies in court, even sue the DSS over the abuses on me and make money for all the stress and time I spent in their custody. But I would not be doing the country any good, because who do I help apart from my pocket if I go to court?
