Operatives from the Tiger Base unit of the Imo State Police Command have reportedly arrested one of the traditional leaders claiming the Eze royal title of Eziama Ikeduru autonomous community, Chris Obasi.
According to a report by Punch, Obasi’s sister, Adaeze Francis, confirmed that police officers apprehended him around 8 p.m. on Wednesday at his residence in Graceland Estate, Ajah, Lagos.
Adaeze linked the arrest to the ongoing kingship dispute between her brother and his cousin, whom she accused of employing various tactics to block the state government’s recognition of Obasi as the legitimate monarch.
“This whole issue is rooted in the kingship dispute. My brother is the rightful heir to the royal stool, as our late father was the former king. He was crowned shortly after our father’s one-year memorial. Since then, his cousin has been trying everything possible to take the crown from him,” she said.
Adaeze further stated that her brother was taken to a magistrate court over the dispute a few months ago, with the case scheduled for a hearing on Friday. However, the presiding magistrate passed away, leading to an adjournment until May 27, 2025.
Another family member, who requested anonymity, backed Adaeze’s claims, alleging that Obasi’s cousin used his political influence to obtain the staff of office from the state governor.
“The previous king died four years ago. In line with tradition, a memorial was held for him, after which Mr. Obasi, his only son, was crowned. But afterward, his cousin used political ties to get the staff of office handed to his elder brother,” the source revealed.
The source also claimed that three other individuals from the community were arrested in connection to the kingship conflict on Friday night and were being held alongside Obasi. The arrested individuals were identified as Chukwunonso Okemmadu, Soronnadi Ohiri, and Agrey Oparaugo.
Meanwhile, Obasi’s legal counsel, Prof. Francis Dike, SAN, stated that the police informed him the arrests stemmed from a petition accusing Obasi of financing terrorism.
“The police told me a petition was filed against my client, Mr. Obasi, but I haven’t seen the contents yet. From what I was briefed, he is being accused of sponsoring terrorism against the state,” Dike said.
He added that the police informed him Obasi would not be granted visitation or considered for bail until Monday, citing government interest in the matter.
“They said the government is involved, so no one is allowed to see my client at the moment. They claimed he has a case with the state. Also, nothing could be done on Saturday since most offices were closed due to the Vice President’s visit to the state. They asked us to return on Monday regarding his bail,” he added.
As of now, the Imo State Police Command has not issued any official response to the situation.
