2 Enweremadu princes detained by Nigeria soldiers

The Enweremadu royal family of Ngwaukwu, Isialangwa, Abia state, eastern Nigeria, has appealed to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, to release two of its princes, said to be in the custody of the army.

Family spokesman Solomon Enweremadu made the appeal at a news conference on Sunday in Lagos.

Enweremadu said Prince Mustard Enweremadu and Prince Destiny Enweremadu had been in the custody of the army for more than 60 days.

He said about 200 soldiers from Ohafia, led by a Major, at about midnight, invaded the palace of the traditional head of Ngwaland on April 7, where they made all the princes to sit on the floor.

“Ten army trucks were parked outside the palace when the soldiers illegally invaded the palace for over an hour.

“Meanwhile, another raid took place concurrently at the house of Prince Christopher Enweremadu, former Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly.

“These soldiers returned again on April 8, 2012 afternoon, but led by Brig.-Gen. J.T Abubakar. They came to collect Prince Destiny Enweremadu, for questioning over some undisclosed allegations, assuring the family of his return soonest.

“When asked of the whereabouts of Prince Mustard, who they allegedly shot and abducted, the general, on enquiry from his officers, told the family that he would look into the matter and promised to return the two princes,“ the Prince said.

He said that prior to the invasion of the palace, the royal family had no problem with the army or Ihejerika, stressing that the army chief refused to release the princes after he was contacted over the matter.

Enweremadu accused some political opponents of Prince Christopher of using the army to terrorise the royal family.

He said that they were able to reach Destiny twice in the Ohafia army barracks, where he was detained, but could not reach or trace the whereabouts of Mustard that was allegedly shot.

When contacted, Army Public Relations Officer in Ohafia, Lt.-Col. Tijani, declined comments on the matter, saying that the case was in court.