The Abia State Government has dismissed allegations of vandalism at Aburuezeukwu Health Centre in Isiala-Ngwa North Local Government Area, following the submission of the report of a seven-man investigative committee, which found no evidence that government property was vandalised or stolen at the facility.
Presenting the committee’s report to Governor Alex Otti, on Thursday, Chairman of the Committee and Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Assistant Commandant Emma Ogbuehi (Rtd.), said the panel conducted a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and interviewed all relevant parties before arriving at its conclusions.
Ogbuehi said the committee was constituted to investigate allegations surrounding the health centre and discharged its assignment with diligence, transparency and fairness.
“On behalf of the seven-man investigation committee constituted to look into the alleged vandalism of Aburuezeukwu Health Centre at Isiala-Ngwa North Local Government Area, we humbly extend our profound appreciation for the confidence reposed in us through this appointment.
“We understand the importance of this assignment and the trust placed on our collective integrity and professionalism. Hence, our resolute determination to discharge this responsibility with diligence, transparency and fairness,” Ogbuehi said.
The committee chairman explained that its investigation took members to the local government area, the health facility, and the scene of the alleged incident, where several individuals, including the officer in charge of the health centre, the current contractor handling renovation works, and other witnesses, were interviewed.
According to the findings, Hon. Chisom Nwogbe visited the health centre on June 27, 2026, to retrieve building materials he had left behind after completing an earlier maintenance project at the facility.
The committee found that he was accompanied by some youths and was confronted by members of the local vigilante group, who prevented him from removing the materials.
The report further established that the current contractor and the officer in charge of the health centre confirmed that Hon. Nwogbe had legitimately left behind two metal doors, 15 drums of paint, 22 empty paint buckets and one-and-a-half lengths of long-span aluminium roofing sheets after completing his contract.
Ogbuehi disclosed that following a telephone conversation involving Hon. Nwogbe, the officer in charge and the current contractor, it was agreed that the materials would not be removed from the site after the site engineer and vigilante members refused to release them.
He said Hon. Nwogbe complied with the agreement by offloading the already loaded materials from a tricycle.
The committee, however, found that events took a different turn when an individual identified as Kenneth Nwogugu allegedly intervened and insisted that Hon. Nwogbe, alongside the tricycle rider, be taken to the vigilante office.
According to the report, the committee established that Nwogugu allegedly compelled vigilante members to handcuff both men, while another individual identified as Ikwanma Chinemere, popularly known as “Table the Shaker,” recorded a video of the incident, which later circulated widely on social media.
The committee further stated that Chinemere admitted before the panel that he recorded and circulated the viral video.
Summarising its findings, Ogbuehi declared that the investigation found no evidence of vandalism or theft at the health facility.
“There was no evidence of vandalism or theft of any government property at the primary healthcare centre on June 27, 2026, as alleged.
“Our findings revealed that it was Chisom Nwogbe that was publicly assaulted, illegally detained and defamed on social media,” he said.
The committee also found that Kenneth Nwogugu and Ikwanma Chinemere were neither members of the host community nor members of the vigilante group.
While formally handing over the report, Ogbuehi said the committee’s recommendations and detailed witness statements were contained in the report submitted to the government for further action.
Receiving the report on behalf of Governor Alex Otti, the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, commended the committee for what he described as a detailed and professional investigation.
Ajagba recalled that the committee was inaugurated on June 30, 2026, following widespread reports on social media alleging that the health facility had been vandalised.
He said the state government considered it necessary to establish the facts before taking any action.
“When the report was released on social media regarding the vandalism of the health centre, we felt that the appropriate thing was to investigate and know the circumstances surrounding such vandalism, if ever it took place.
“But from your report, it has been established that no vandalism took place. Rather, it was more or less like a character assassination,” he said.
He reiterated that the Alex Otti administration would continue to maintain zero tolerance for corruption and criminality.
“This administration has zero tolerance for either corruption or any form of criminality. We need to stress very emphatically that any form of criminality or corruption that takes place, such people will be brought to book, no matter how highly placed they are,” Ajagba stated.
The Chief of Staff assured that the committee’s recommendations would receive government attention.
“I want to assure you that your recommendations will be looked into, and government will take appropriate action to ensure that such false accusations and any form of character assassination is not given any pride of place in this administration,” he assured.
He also warned against the spread of false information capable of causing disaffection in the state.
“We want to caution those who would want to peddle rumours without verifying the source or authenticity to be wary. Abia State is a place where law and order has found its abode, and anyone who wants to cause disaffection through rumour mongering, false accusation or character assassination will not find this place a safe haven,” Ajagba warned.
Ajagba reaffirmed Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to infrastructural development and ensuring that residents across the state continue to enjoy quality public services in a peaceful and law abiding environment.
(The Whistler)
