Nimo Youths Protests Over Death Of Ifeanyi Odibelu Accuses Igwe Oliobi, Two Others

Felix Oti,Awka

The Youths of Nimo, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, has on weekend protested peacefully over the death of Ifeanyi Odibelu.

The protesters claimed that the traditional ruler, Igwe Maximus Ike Oliobi, and two others, were involved in Odibelu’s death.

According to the protesters, Odibelu was detained on April 25, 2025, and released on May 3. He died the following day.

The group demanded explanations from Igwe Oliobi, Mbanugo, and Abada regarding the circumstances of Odibelu’s detention and death.

Chijioke Ezedinachi, a protester, told reporters that Odibelu, an active youth group member, was arrested and held in Awka without family contact for days. “Efforts to locate him took two days, and attempts to secure his bail were unsuccessful,”

Ezedinachi said. “His release on a Saturday raised questions, as weekend releases are uncommon.” Ezedinachi said the arrest followed allegations that Odibelu threatened one of the named individuals, but claimed Odibelu’s brother reported prior threats against Odibelu by those individuals.

Ukamaka Odibelu, the deceased’s sister, and Osita Ezeaputa, another protester, supported Ezedinachi’s account. Chidebere Odibo, a friend from Egbengwu village, claimed Odibelu told him that Igwe Oliobi, Mbanugo, and Abada had threatened him during detention. Odibo noted that Odibelu was unwell after his release and died the following day, but no official cause of death has been established.

The protesters marched to Egwegwe Hall, Egbengwu School, and a mortuary, where they retrieved Odibelu’s coffin. They brought it to Igwe Oliobi’s palace, under security surveillance, and then to Abada’s residence.

A protester, speaking anonymously, said the leader opposed the demonstration but was overruled.

The demonstration was disrupted when security personnel reportedly used tear gas and, according to some accounts, live ammunition to disperse the crowd.

Investigations reveled that tensions in Nimo have been high due to disputes over the alleged sale of Owa Land, a communal resource. Some community members have accused Igwe Oliobi of mismanaging land transactions, leading to a prolonged conflict and allegations of overreach in his leadership.

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said he was unaware of the protest and criticized the youths’ actions as disruptive. “They should have reported their concerns to authorities,” Ikenga said. “Nimo is known for its peace.”

In a statement on Sunday, Igwe Oliobi denied any role in Odibelu’s death and accused a small group of youths of destabilizing Nimo.