Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, don insist say him no dey responsible for prosecution of whistleblower Emenike Okorie, even though him be nominal complainant for cyberstalking case against the defendant. Yemi Itodo, Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Speaker on New Media, yarn say criminal proceedings na between Inspector-General of Police and the defendant, and na Nigeria Police Force dey prosecute. Di case, FHC/ABJ/CR/710/2026, dey before Federal High Court for Abuja.
Itodo make di clarification as controversy and interventions by human rights advocates dey grow over the prosecution. Some commentators don question circumstances of the defendant detention and demand say make dem release am. But Itodo argue say most important fact wey people dey ignore na say police and court dey handle di criminal matter, no be the Deputy Speaker personally. Him question why dem dey present am like say the Deputy Speaker personally arrest, prosecute and convict the defendant.
According to Itodo, the Deputy Speaker no turn himself into police, and him no be judge for di matter. Him ask why the Deputy Speaker go take blame for judicial process wey him no personally control. E also warn say make nobody use the defendant disability as main issue for di controversy. Itodo talk say disability no suppose be basis for discrimination, but e also no suppose be weapon to block administration of justice. Him add say law no create one standard of accountability for persons living with disabilities and another for everybody else, and every defendant deserve fair treatment while every complainant deserve protection of law.
Itodo explain say six-count charge against the defendant come from alleged publications on Umuhu Ezechi Development Union WhatsApp platform. Di publications reportedly include allegations say the Deputy Speaker divert N348 million wey dem suppose use establish garri-processing plant for di community.
On di other side, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, don demand immediate and unconditional release of Emenike Okorie, wey reportedly dey detained at Kuje Correctional Centre for Abuja. Di group also demand N100 million compensation over alleged arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention. HURIWA make di demands for press statement on November 9, 2026, wey National Coordinator Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko sign. Di group allege say the defendant ordeal follow questions him raise about billions of naira wey the Deputy Speaker reportedly receive from Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.
HURIWA question when demanding accountability from elected representative become criminal offence, and why constituent wey dey seek explanation about public resources go allegedly dey prison. Di association warn say democracy no fit survive if elected officials dey use influence silence critics, intimidate constituents and punish citizens for asking legitimate questions about public funds.
Di rights group appeal to the Deputy Speaker make him intervene immediately and ensure say dem release the defendant unconditionally. HURIWA stress say public office no be licence for intimidation or political persecution, and say Nigerians elect representatives to serve dem, no be to turn public institutions into instrument of personal retaliation against people wey demand accountability.
HURIWA also raise concern about the defendant physical condition, especially as di young man reportedly dey use walking stick. Di group say him continued incarceration raise troubling questions about how vulnerable citizens dey treated inside criminal justice system. HURIWA demand say Federal Government must investigate circumstances around him arrest and detention, and say Nigerian state suppose pay N100 million compensation if allegations of unlawful detention and violation of him fundamental rights are established.
Di association also refer to reported hostile reception the Deputy Speaker meet during him recent engagement with residents of Item community. HURIWA say di development suppose remind political office holders say public trust must be earned through transparency, responsible representation and respect for constituents. Di group warn say elected officials wey no sabi distinguish between public office and personal authority dey risk deepening public distrust in democratic institutions.
