The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Business Development, Oguzorkanu Offia-Nwali, has been accused of allegedly ordering the abduction and assault of a young man over his political support for the commissioner’s brother.
The alleged victim, identified simply as Madu, was said to have sustained injuries following the incident and was later seen receiving medical treatment in a video circulated online.
Madu alleged that he was approached by four men who forced him into a Toyota Sienna and took him to the commissioner’s private residence after he refused to follow them voluntarily.
According to his account, the incident was connected to a video in which he expressed support for Rollins, the commissioner’s brother, who is reportedly seeking election into the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
Madu claimed that Offia-Nwali confronted him over comments made in the video. He said he explained that his remarks were directed at politicians he believed had failed to perform and insisted that his support for Rollins was based on his belief that the aspirant could offer better representation.
The young man further alleged that the commissioner became violent during the confrontation and personally assaulted him, leaving him with multiple injuries.
Former Students’ Union Government President, Caesar Francis, who shared videos relating to the incident, condemned the alleged attack and described Madu as a victim of political intimidation.
Francis said the young man had been moved to a safe location and was receiving medical attention.
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The incident also triggered a social media dispute between Francis and the commissioner over claims concerning their previous relationship.
Attempts to get an immediate reaction from Offia-Nwali were reportedly unsuccessful, as calls and a message sent to him had not been answered at the time of filing the report.
The allegations against the commissioner have not been independently established, and his response was not available as of the time the report was published.
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