HURIWA demands release of Benjamin Kalu’s constituent, seeks N100m compensation over alleged unlawful detention
Politics
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Emenike Okorie, a constituent of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who is reportedly being detained at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
The rights group also demanded N100 million compensation for Okorie over his alleged arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention, warning that elected public officials must not use their positions to intimidate constituents who demand accountability.
HURIWA alleged that Okorie’s ordeal followed questions he raised about billions of naira reportedly received by Kalu from the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.
In a press statement issued on November 9, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the association expressed concern that a Nigerian citizen, who reportedly questioned his elected representative over the management of public funds should end up behind bars.
The group questioned when demanding accountability from an elected representative became a criminal offence, and why a constituent seeking explanations about public resources should allegedly find himself languishing in prison.
It warned that democracy could not survive where elected officials allegedly deploy their influence to silence critics, intimidate constituents and punish citizens for asking legitimate questions about public funds.
HURIWA specifically appealed to Kalu, in his capacity as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, to intervene immediately and ensure Okorie’s unconditional release.
The association stressed that public office was not a licence for intimidation or political persecution, adding that Nigerians elected their representatives to serve them rather than turn public institutions into instruments of personal retaliation against those demanding accountability.
HURIWA also expressed concern about Okorie’s physical condition, particularly because the young man reportedly uses a walking stick.
It said his continued incarceration raised troubling questions about the treatment of vulnerable citizens within the criminal justice system.
The rights group insisted that the Federal Government must investigate the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention, adding that the Nigerian state should pay him N100 million in compensation if the allegations of unlawful detention and violation of his fundamental rights are established.
According to HURIWA, keeping a citizen in detention over alleged criticism of an elected official would set a dangerous precedent capable of discouraging public participation, freedom of expression and democratic accountability.
The association also referred to the reported hostile reception Kalu encountered during his recent engagement with residents of Item community, saying the development should remind political office holders that public trust must be earned through transparency, responsible representation and respect for constituents.
It warned that elected officials who fail to distinguish between public office and personal authority risk deepening public distrust in democratic institutions.
HURIWA consequently outlined four demands: the immediate and unconditional release of Okorie; an independent investigation into the circumstances of his arrest and continued detention; N100 million compensation from the Nigerian state if unlawful detention and violation of his fundamental rights are established; and an end to any attempt to intimidate or criminalise citizens for demanding accountability from elected representatives.
The association also said it was joining Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, in demanding Okorie’s immediate release from the Kuje Correctional Centre.
A.I
Nov. 11, 2026
Tags: Benjamin Kalu Emenike Okorie HURIWA
