By Oscar Okhifo<\/p>\n
The reported seven-month detention of Abuja businessman David Nwokorie following the breakdown of his relationship with Genevieve Opara, daughter of retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hilary Opara, has raised concerns about police accountability, the possible abuse of influence and the protection of fundamental rights.<\/p>\n
Omoyele Sowore, publisher, human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), raised the concerns in a statement published on his Facebook page on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis young Nigerian, David Nwokorie, has spent seven months in Kuje Prison simply because he broke up with the daughter of a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hilary Opara,\u201d Sowore stated.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cThe nature of oppression in Nigeria is of a different kind! That the Nigeria Police Force would go as far as assigning a prosecutor to pursue a case arising from a broken relationship is even more unconscionable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Previous reports indicate that Opara accused Nwokorie of cyberstalking, blackmail and threats to life following the breakdown of the relationship. The allegations form part of the criminal case against Nwokorie and remain subject to judicial determination.<\/p>\n
In July 2026, Sowore reportedly criticised the bail conditions imposed on Nwokorie following a Federal High Court ruling, saying they required a serving Nigerian Army colonel and a senior civil servant to stand as sureties.<\/p>\n
A report published on October 23 indicated that Nwokorie remained in custody while challenging aspects of his treatment and detention.<\/p>\n
In September, Onspotnews reported that he had approached the Federal High Court over alleged violations of his fundamental rights.<\/p>\n
According to the report, Nwokorie accused police officers of unlawfully arresting him, denying him access to legal assistance and medical care, and subjecting him to degrading treatment.<\/p>\n
He also reportedly petitioned the National Human Rights Commission over an alleged attempt by the retired police officer to influence his treatment in custody.<\/p>\n
The allegations of misconduct have not been established by an independent investigation or judicial finding.<\/p>\n
Nigeria\u2019s Constitution guarantees personal liberty and a fair hearing, while the law presumes an accused person innocent until proven guilty. The circumstances surrounding Nwokorie\u2019s detention, the basis of the charges against him and the conditions attached to his bail are therefore central to the controversy.<\/p>\n
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force and the retired DIG had yet to publicly respond to the allegations raised by Sowore.<\/p>\n
Their responses, alongside relevant court records, would help clarify the circumstances of the case and the legal basis for Nwokorie\u2019s continued detention.<\/p>\n
The case has brought renewed attention to questions about equal treatment under the law and whether the criminal justice system adequately protects the rights of accused persons, regardless of their social standing or connections.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Oscar Okhifo The reported seven-month detention of Abuja businessman David Nwokorie following the breakdown of his relationship with Genevieve Opara, daughter of retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hilary Opara,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":130306,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-130305","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n