Okay News reports that six members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have filed a ₦1 billion lawsuit against the Anambra State Government over alleged assault and unlawful detention by operatives of the state vigilante group, Agunechemba.
The corps members — Jennifer Elohor, Greatness Oyeh, Eze Ikenna, Anighoro Godspower, Feyisara Amore, and Chimenum Wonodi — instituted the case at the Federal High Court, Awka, following a viral video in August showing them being brutalized by gun-wielding vigilantes who accused them of being internet fraudsters.
In the video, one of the victims, Elohor, was reportedly beaten and stripped naked despite repeatedly identifying herself as a corps member. The incident drew nationwide outrage and condemnation from human rights groups and NYSC officials.
Through their counsel, Barrister Cyrus Onu, the plaintiffs named the Anambra State Government, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the State Attorney-General, and the Agunechemba Vigilante Group as first to fourth respondents, respectively.
They are seeking ₦1 billion in damages for what they described as “mental, physical, financial, emotional, and psychological trauma” inflicted on them during the assault and detention.
According to the suit marked FHC/298/2025, the plaintiffs are asking the court to declare their arrest, detention, and abuse as “illegal, unlawful, unwarranted, unconstitutional, and a violation of their fundamental human rights.”
The corps members also want the court to compel the respondents to issue a public apology, to be published in at least two national newspapers and one local publication in Anambra State.
Human rights activists have urged the federal authorities and the NYSC to ensure justice is served, arguing that the mistreatment of serving corps members sets a dangerous precedent.
The Anambra State Government is yet to officially respond to the suit as of press time.
