Six NYSC Members Drag Anambra Government to Court, Demand ₦1bn Over Assault by Vigilante Operatives
Six members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have sued the Anambra State Government, demanding ₦1 billion in damages over their alleged assault and unlawful detention by operatives of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group.
The corps members Jennifer Elohor, Greatness Oyeh, Eze Ikenna, Anighoro Godspower, Feyisara Amore, and Chimenum Wonodi filed the lawsuit before a Federal High Court. They are seeking redress for what they described as “inhuman and degrading treatment” following a viral video that showed them being manhandled by armed vigilante operatives in the state.
The plaintiffs are accusing the Anambra State Government of violating their constitutional rights to personal liberty and dignity of the human person through the actions of the vigilante outfit, which they claim operates under state authority.
Their counsel, in the court filing, urged the court to compel the state government to issue a public apology and pay ₦1 billion as compensation for the trauma, humiliation, and psychological distress suffered by the corps members.
The viral video, which circulated widely on social media, showed the corps members seated on the ground while being interrogated and physically assaulted by Agunechemba operatives.
The footage sparked nationwide outrage and condemnation from civil rights advocates and youth groups.
In reaction to the public outcry, Governor Chukwuma Soludo ordered the dismissal of eight members of the vigilante group found culpable in the assault.
The state government also announced that it had paid for the medical treatment of the affected corps members, replaced their damaged belongings, and issued a public apology to them.
The NYSC management had earlier expressed concern over the incident, calling on the state authorities to ensure justice and better protection for corps members serving in Anambra.
As of the time of filing this report, the Anambra State Government has yet to respond to the ₦1 billion lawsuit filed by the six corps members.
