In what has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for justice, six members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have filed a ₦1 billion lawsuit against the Anambra State Government over alleged assault, unlawful detention, and violation of their fundamental human rights by operatives of the state vigilante group, Agunechemba.
The corps members, whose ordeal was captured in a viral video that made rounds across social media platforms, claim they were subjected to inhumane treatment by the vigilante officers during their service year in the state. The disturbing footage showed the young graduates being harassed and humiliated — a situation that drew nationwide condemnation.
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The Allegations
According to reports, the incident occurred earlier this year when the corps members were allegedly accosted by members of the Agunechemba security network. The operatives reportedly accused them of misconduct and proceeded to detain them unlawfully, during which they were allegedly beaten, stripped, and filmed against their will.
Their legal representatives have now approached the court, insisting that the actions of the vigilante operatives were unconstitutional and amounted to a gross abuse of power. The plaintiffs are demanding ₦1 billion in damages as compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological trauma they endured.
Legal Action and Human Rights Concerns
In the lawsuit filed at a High Court of competent jurisdiction, the corps members are seeking justice not only for themselves but also to set a precedent against similar abuses by non-state security actors across Nigeria.
Their counsel emphasized that the treatment meted out to the corps members was a blatant violation of their rights under Sections 34 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantee the right to dignity and personal liberty.
“The actions of the Agunechemba operatives were not only unlawful but degrading,” the counsel said. “These are innocent young Nigerians serving their country. They deserve protection, not persecution.”
Public Reaction and National Outrage
The viral video quickly gained attention online, sparking widespread anger and calls for accountability. Many Nigerians took to social media to condemn the incident, demanding that the state government take immediate action against those involved.
Civil society organizations and human rights advocates have also weighed in, describing the incident as another example of unchecked abuse by local vigilante groups.
A rights activist based in Awka commented, “What happened to those corps members is unacceptable. The NYSC scheme is meant to foster unity, not to expose our youths to violence and intimidation. The Anambra Government must ensure justice is served.”
State Government’s Silence
As of the time of this report, the Anambra State Government has not released any official statement in response to the lawsuit or the public backlash. Calls and messages sent to the office of the Commissioner for Information and the Special Adviser on Security have not been returned.
However, sources within the state security network hinted that an internal review of the alleged incident may soon be initiated to verify the claims and determine the extent of involvement of Agunechemba operatives.
NYSC Authorities Monitoring the Situation
The National Youth Service Corps headquarters in Abuja is said to be monitoring developments closely. Although no formal statement has been issued, NYSC insiders revealed that the organization is deeply concerned about the welfare of its members and has vowed to ensure their safety nationwide.
A senior NYSC official who spoke under anonymity said, “We are aware of the case, and the NYSC is engaging relevant authorities. We take the protection of corps members seriously, and we’ll continue to liaise with state governments to prevent similar incidents.”
Broader Implications
This lawsuit reignites the debate over the powers and conduct of local vigilante groups across Nigeria. While such outfits are often established to support community policing and complement the efforts of formal security agencies, there have been recurring allegations of abuse, extortion, and unlawful detention by their members.
Analysts argue that the case could set a critical legal precedent for holding state-backed vigilante groups accountable for human rights violations. If successful, the corps members’ case may encourage other victims of similar abuses to seek justice through lawful means.
Conclusion
The ₦1 billion lawsuit by the six NYSC members against the Anambra State Government marks a major test of accountability and justice in Nigeria’s evolving security landscape. As the case proceeds, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether justice will prevail and whether state authorities will take decisive steps to protect young citizens serving under the national scheme.
