Police Launch Manhunt For Chief Sunday Udeh, Okechukwu Uzoegbunam Over Alleged Threat To Igbo-Speaking Community PG

KINSLEY EBERE 

The Lagos State Police Command has launched a manhunt for two former executives of the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos, Chief Sunday Udeh and Chief Okechukwu Uzoegbunam, over allegations bordering on threat to life, attempted murder, wilful destruction of properties and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

The development follows a formal petition filed before the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, by Lagos-based law firm, E.M. Badmos and Co., Legal Practitioners and Property Consultants.

The petition, dated 16th September, 2026, was written on behalf of Mr. Joshua Kalu and Chief Chukwudi Chinye, who is described as the current President General of the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos.

According to details contained in the petition, the crisis rocking the Igbo Speaking Community allegedly escalated after the executive led by Chief Sunday Udeh was removed from office. The removal was said to be over alleged embezzlement of association funds to the tune of N150 million.

Following the removal, Chief Chukwudi Chinye reportedly emerged as the new President General, a development that allegedly did not go down well with the ousted leadership.

The petitioners allege that since the change in leadership, Chief Sunday Udeh had allegedly vowed to make life difficult and unbearable for the new executive and those who supported his removal.

Giving a breakdown of incidents, the petitioners alleged that on 7th September, 2026, Chief Sunday Udeh was captured on record while speaking at a public gathering, where he allegedly threatened to deal with Mr. Joshua Kalu and his family members. The petitioners claim they have evidence of the alleged threat.

The petition further alleged that on 8th September, 2026, a group of masked armed men stormed the residence of Chief Chukwudi Chinye at Papa Ajao, Mushin, Lagos, destroying properties worth millions of naira. According to the petition, only his wife and children were at home when the incident occurred.

It was also alleged that Chief Okechukwu Uzoegbunam, who is said to be a close ally of Chief Sunday Udeh, sent threatening messages to Chief Chinye via WhatsApp, stating that your days are numbered. The petitioners said the messages have caused serious fear and apprehension.

The law firm, on behalf of its clients, is therefore calling on the Commissioner of Police to use his good office to investigate the matter thoroughly, arrest the suspects and prevent a total breakdown of law and order within the Igbo Speaking Community.

Meanwhile, credible police sources disclosed that a team of operatives was deployed to the house and office of Chief Sunday Udeh for questioning in connection with the petition. However, sources said that upon sighting the operatives, the suspect allegedly locked himself inside his premises and switched off his mobile phones to evade arrest.

In a similar development, the second suspect, Chief Okechukwu Uzoegbunam, popularly known as Okey, is said to have gone into hiding. Police sources said efforts to track his whereabouts have so far proved abortive, but the manhunt is ongoing.

A police source who spoke on condition of anonymity said investigation is ongoing and efforts are being intensified to apprehend the suspects for questioning over the alleged offences.

As of press time, efforts to reach Chief Sunday Udeh and Chief Okechukwu Uzoegbunam for their own side of the story were unsuccessful as their telephone lines remained switched off.

It should be noted that all allegations in this report are based on a petition submitted to the police and information from police sources. The suspects are presumed innocent until investigation is concluded and remain entitled to fair hearing.

The Lagos State Police Command is yet to issue an official press statement on the matter.