The Anambra State Government has dismissed eight security operatives and ordered their immediate prosecution for the brutal assault and public stripping of National Youth Service Corps member Miss Jennifer Elobor in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
The dismissed operatives from the Agunechemba Security Command will be handed over to the police for prosecution, marking the government’s zero-tolerance stance on security brutality following widespread condemnation of the July 23, 2025 incident.
Speaking at the agency headquarters in Awka, the Special Adviser to Governor Charles Soludo on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi, said the state government acted swiftly after receiving reports that the operatives, while in pursuit of suspected cultists, assaulted corps members in an action he described as “totally outside the mandate of the agency and utterly condemnable.”
The disturbing video that circulated widely on social media showed one operative striking the corps member while others stood by, with her clothes being torn during the assault as she cried for help. The footage sparked immediate condemnation from various quarters, including the National Youth Service Corps and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who demanded swift investigation.
The prosecution order came despite initial reluctance from the victim’s family. Governor Soludo, appearing on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme Wednesday, revealed that the family had initially declined prosecution “for whatever private considerations” but later changed their stance after receiving a letter from the state NYSC director indicating their readiness to proceed.
Condemning the assault as “despicable and outrageous,” Governor Soludo stressed that due process must be followed. “I have four beautiful daughters, and I couldn’t imagine that happening to any of them. Whatever the crime, you arrest and prosecute, but nobody should be brutalized,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring justice.
Soludo noted that some restitution was made, including compensation for damaged phones belonging to the victim and others. “The briefing I got was that her phone was damaged. Some others’ phones were damaged in the process, and there was some restitution to that effect. She was taken care of medically, and those guys were apprehended, first suspended, and the investigation ongoing,” he said.
The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo had earlier strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “unacceptable and humiliating abuse.” In a strongly-worded statement, she declared zero tolerance for such acts, emphasizing that there is “absolutely NO justification for such an ugly act.”
“This demeaning approach to law and order does NOT reflect our identity as a hospitable and peaceful people, nor does it represent the humane philosophy of our administration,” Dr. Soludo stated. She called the state’s image “priceless” and urged all stakeholders to “guard it jealously.”
On his part, Mr. Emeakayi emphasized that the dismissals demonstrate the Soludo administration’s refusal to tolerate unprofessionalism, brutality, or abuse of office by security operatives. He assured that any officer found guilty of misconduct will face immediate dismissal and prosecution.
He disclosed that despite pleas from the victim’s family and NYSC officials not to pursue prosecution for fear of damaging the identity of those involved, the Anambra State Government insisted on full investigation and accountability to serve as deterrence to future misconduct.
The Special Adviser revealed that the agency had already settled all medical bills of the corps member, replaced damaged valuables such as laptops and phones, and tendered a public apology to the victim, her family, NYSC, and the general public.
Mr. Emeakayi reiterated the government’s resolve to reform community security operations in the state, emphasizing that Governor Soludo’s administration is committed to upholding professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights in all security engagements. He assured that the incident will be used as a turning point to strengthen discipline and restore public trust in the Agunechemba outfit.
Adding their voice to the criticism, a factional group of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing called for the complete disbandment of the Anambra security outfit and the recruitment of fresh, drug-tested operatives.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about the conduct of security operatives and the need for proper training and oversight of state vigilante groups across Nigeria. It has also highlighted concerns about the protection of citizens, particularly vulnerable individuals like NYSC members serving away from their home states.
The NYSC scheme deploys graduates across Nigeria to serve in states other than their origin, with corps members often working in schools, hospitals, and government offices during their mandatory one-year service.
