The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, has ordered a full-scale investigation and immediate arrest of those involved in the alleged killing of Mr. Chibugo Amadi by members of his community. The incident occurred on Monday, May 20, 2025, in Umuora village, Umuohiri community, located in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area.
According to reports, Chibugo Amadi had earlier engaged in a violent altercation involving machetes with his younger brother, Mr. Ezemonye Amadi, over a land dispute. Following the incident, the community fined Chibugo ₦850,000, which led to him allegedly being compelled to sell four plots of his land at a grossly undervalued price to settle the imposed fine.
In response to the gruesome killing, a human rights organisation, Stand for Humanity Foundation, submitted a petition to the police commissioner on behalf of the deceased’s widow, Mrs. Chinonye Amadi. The petition followed the circulation of a disturbing video on social media that captured Chibugo being paraded naked and brutally beaten by community members while his wife and children pleaded in vain for his life to be spared.
Founder of the foundation, Comrade Chidiebube Okeoma, along with the organisation’s legal adviser, Barrister Chijioke Onwubuariri—who is providing pro bono legal services—stated that the villagers falsely claimed Chibugo died after falling from a tree, despite clear video evidence of physical assault. The foundation has since taken up the case to demand justice for the widow and her eight children, three of whom reportedly fled with her to the organisation’s office seeking refuge.
The petition, authored by Onwubuariri and addressed to CP Danjuma, outlines that Chibugo initially fled the community after the machete incident fearing reprisal. During his absence, community elders allegedly convened, imposed the monetary fine, and, acting unilaterally, sold four of Chibugo’s land plots at ₦200,000 each—far below the market value of ₦1.5 million per plot. The total proceeds of ₦750,000 were used toward the fine, leaving a ₦100,000 balance unpaid.
Despite complying with these demands, Chibugo was allegedly deceived into returning to the village under the pretense of a final settlement meeting. Upon arrival, he was reportedly abducted, taken to a location known as Mkpacha Umuora, and subjected to severe physical torture in what the foundation describes as a case of “jungle justice.” He was later dumped at a hospital in Okwelle, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
While the primary suspects are said to be on the run, the Stand for Humanity Foundation has vowed to pursue legal redress. Barrister Onwubuariri continues to offer free legal counsel to the grieving family.
Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the ongoing investigation and assured the public that those responsible will be brought to justice.