The four men, now known as #Ikokwu4, were taken into custody by the police in Port Harcourt over suspicion of car theft. They were eventually released after the Rivers State Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) stated that they were unable to substantiate any criminal allegations against them.
On December 19, 2019, Victor Ogbonna, Osaze Friday, Ifeanyi Osuji, Ifeanyi Onyekwere, and the late Chima Ikwunado were arrested and reportedly subjected to torture while in custody in order to coerce them into admitting to stealing a car they were actually repairing.
As events unfolded, the car owners, Eradiri Erepamo and Chinedu Ezenwaliri, clarified that their vehicles had not been stolen but were rather under the care of the detained men for repair purposes. Despite this, the police pressed ahead with baseless charges of robbery against the four men, with Chima ultimately losing his life while in detention.
A report from the Rivers State Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) was published on Wednesday, directing prison authorities to promptly release the four individuals due to the lack of evidence supporting any criminal case against them.
In a united display of solidarity and protest for the release of the men, members of the Civil Societies Organizations, the public, journalists, and members of the Ohaneze Indigbo congregated at the State Judiciary Complex. Additionally, the widely recognized Ikokwu motor spare parts market was shut down in support of the cause.
The alleged torture and subsequent death of Chima Ikwunado, as well as the detention of his associates by the E-Crack unit of the Rivers State Police Command, elicited significant public outcry.
Images documenting the events surrounding the release of the #Ikokwu4 can be seen above.