Tension has escalated in the leadership tussle rocking the Igbo Speaking Community as the Nigeria Police Force has launched a manhunt for two key figures, Chief Sunday Udeh and Chief Chukwudi Chinye, over allegations linked to the ongoing power struggle.
The crisis, which sources say has lingered for months, took a new turn on Friday after Police operatives stormed the office of Chief Sunday Udeh in Surulere to invite him for questioning.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Police action followed a petition and an official letter directing Chief Udeh to hand over all records and properties relating to the Igbo Speaking Community in his possession.
A source at the scene told our correspondent that operatives arrived at Chief Udeh’s office in the morning and demanded his presence at the station. When he was not immediately available, he was asked to report for questioning over allegations of alleged financial dealings and management of community affairs.
“It was not an arrest. The Police said they wanted him to come and explain some things regarding the letter that was sent to him concerning the Igbo Speaking Community leadership and finances,” the source said.
In a related development, operatives also moved to the residence of Chief Chukwudi Chinye later the same day. Eyewitnesses said Police stormed the house to apprehend him in connection with the same crisis. However, they reportedly missed him as he was said to be away at the time.
A Police source who confirmed the development said the Command is treating the matter as a case of breach of peace and alleged mismanagement within the community leadership. The source added that both chiefs have been asked to present themselves for questioning to help the Police get to the root of the matter.
“We are not taking sides. The Police are only intervening to prevent the crisis from degenerating and to ensure that whoever is in charge follows due process,” the source stated.
The supremacy battle between Chief Udeh and Chief Chinye has created divisions within the Igbo Speaking Community, with both camps laying claim to leadership. The disagreement recently spilled into the open after a letter was circulated asking Chief Udeh to relinquish control of all community structures and documents.
Members of the community have expressed concern that the feud is affecting the unity and welfare programmes of the group. Some elders who pleaded anonymity called on both parties to sheath their swords and allow the Police to mediate.
“This matter has gone beyond the two of them. It is now affecting market women, youths, and our cultural activities. We are begging them to allow peace to reign,” one community leader said.
Legal experts say the Police intervention is within its mandate to prevent a breakdown of law and order, especially when two factions are laying claim to the same leadership position and communal assets.
As at the time of filing this report, neither Chief Udeh nor Chief Chinye had issued an official statement. However, sources close to both camps said their legal teams are reviewing the Police invitation.
The Police have urged members of the Igbo Speaking Community to remain calm and avoid any action that could escalate the crisis, adding that the Command is committed to a peaceful resolution.
The manhunt continues as detectives said they are monitoring both locations and have asked the two chiefs to report to the station at the agreed time for questioning.