13/08/2026
Woman Allegedly Detained for Over Five Years Reappears in Abuja, Raises Questions Over Due Process
ABUJA, Nigeria — Questions over prolonged detention and access to justice have been raised following the reported appearance of Onyeaka Ozioma Elizabeth at the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to Barrister Nnaemeka, who said he encountered Elizabeth at the court premises, she told him that she was arrested at 33 Onitsha, Anambra State, more than five years ago by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Elizabeth reportedly alleged that she was subsequently taken to the Wawa Military Detention Centre in Kainji, Niger State, where she claimed she remained without access to her family or a lawyer.
The account further states that Elizabeth provided the telephone number of her sister. When contacted, her sister allegedly expressed disbelief that Elizabeth was still alive until she saw her in a video.
The circumstances surrounding Elizabeth's reported detention, including the legal basis for her prolonged confinement and whether she was brought before a court within the period required by law, remain matters requiring clarification from the relevant authorities.
Barrister Nnaemeka questioned what form of fair trial or justice could emerge from what he described as an “illegal and dehumanizing detention.” He also questioned whether Elizabeth's alleged detention was connected to her perceived support for Biafran separatism.
The allegations have not, in themselves, established criminal wrongdoing by any particular government agency or individual. The DSS and other relevant authorities would need to provide their account of Elizabeth's arrest, detention, access to legal representation, and current legal status.
The case has nevertheless renewed concerns about due process, prolonged detention, access to counsel, and the fundamental rights of detainees in Nigeria.
By Barr. Nnaemeka ✍️