Six Corps Members Drag Anambra Government to Court, Demand ₦1 Billion Over Alleged Assault and Unlawful Detention

Six members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have filed a lawsuit against the Anambra State Government, demanding ₦1 billion in damages for alleged assault, humiliation, and unlawful detention by operatives of the state-owned vigilante outfit, Agunechemba.

The corps members, through their legal representatives, alleged that they were subjected to inhuman treatment, physical assault, and intimidation by the vigilante operatives, who reportedly acted under the authority of the state government. They claimed the incident not only violated their fundamental human rights but also tarnished their reputation and caused severe psychological trauma.

According to reports, the controversy began after a viral video surfaced online showing members of another local security group, Udo Ga Achi, assaulting and publicly stripping a female corps member later identified as Miss Jennifer Elobor. The disturbing footage, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, drew widespread condemnation from Nigerians and human rights organizations who described the act as barbaric and unacceptable.

In the video, the female corps member was seen crying and pleading as the vigilante operatives accused her of misconduct, while bystanders watched helplessly. The NYSC headquarters has since expressed outrage over the incident, calling for a full-scale investigation and demanding that those responsible be brought to justice.

In their suit filed before a competent court, the six corps members argued that the actions of the vigilante group were not only unlawful but also violated their rights to dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of movement as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

They are seeking a declaration from the court that their detention and public humiliation were illegal, alongside a ₦1 billion compensation for the emotional distress, physical injuries, and reputational damage suffered.

The case has generated heated debate across the country, with many Nigerians calling on the Anambra State Government to take immediate action to reform its vigilante operations and ensure that security operatives act within the confines of the law.

Meanwhile, human rights advocates and civil society organizations have vowed to monitor the proceedings closely, stressing that justice for the victims would serve as a deterrent to future abuses by non-state security outfits.

The Anambra State Government is yet to issue an official response to the lawsuit.