A 45-year-old man, Ani Chidi, has been remanded in prison by an Enugu East Magistrate’s Court for allegedly recording and disseminating a video of an attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a political gathering in Obuoffia Awkunanaw. Chidi was arraigned on Monday by the Enugu State Police Command on multiple counts related to cybercrime and criminal defamation under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act of 2015, as amended in 2024.

The charges against Chidi stem from an incident that occurred on September 12, 2026, when he purportedly filmed the violent attack and subsequently published the footage across various social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. According to the police, the video falsely implicated three individuals—Ani Nnabuike, Solomon Ifeanyi, and Monday Anninwe—as members of the armed group responsible for the assault on the NDC meeting.

The prosecution's case outlines that Chidi intentionally authored and circulated false statements about Nnabuike, claiming he was part of the armed group and threatening to kill him and his family. This allegation reportedly instilled fear in Nnabuike, putting him at risk of public backlash.

Following the arraignment, Chief Magistrate F. E. Chukwu ordered Chidi to be held in custody pending further proceedings. The police prosecutor, Ajogwu, presented the case to the court, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges.

In response to Chidi’s remand, the Enugu State chapter of the NDC expressed outrage, alleging that the police were targeting the witness who recorded the attack while allowing the actual perpetrators to remain free. The party condemned the police's actions, calling for an independent investigation into the violence that occurred during the political meeting.

Sampson Ukwu, the media aide to the NDC governorship candidate, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, issued a statement expressing concern over the judicial process being used against witnesses. The statement criticized the police for failing to protect the rights of citizens and for seemingly siding with those involved in the violence.

Ukwu's statement highlighted the dangers faced by Chidi Ezeani, the witness who recorded the attack, suggesting that he is now being targeted to eliminate crucial evidence. The NDC called on Governor Peter Mbah to ensure that the judicial process is not weaponized against citizens and to allow law enforcement to conduct a fair investigation into the Obuoffia incident.

The situation raises significant questions about the integrity of the judicial process in Enugu State, especially concerning the treatment of witnesses and the accountability of those involved in political violence. As the case unfolds, many are watching to see how the authorities will respond to these allegations and whether justice will be served for the victims of the attack.