The lawyers of a Delta State councillor who was detained over allegations arising from his comments on local government affairs have asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate what they described as the misuse of state institutions against their client.
In a petition dated September 15, 2026, the legal team representing Hon. Victor Chukwuemeke, a councillor in Ukwuani Local Government Area, called for an inquiry into his arrest, prosecution and continued detention at the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre.
According to Sahara Reporters, the petition linked the councillor’s legal troubles to his earlier efforts to obtain greater disclosure of Ukwuani council’s financial records. Chukwuemeke had previously sought access to details of the council’s revenue and expenditure, with the matter resulting in a court judgment directing the publication of financial records.
His lawyers alleged that the situation escalated after Chukwuemeke appeared on ARISE Television on June 21, where he discussed his dispute with the council leadership, his suspension from the legislative arm and the ongoing court proceedings.
According to the petition, the Ukwuani council chairman subsequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over statements allegedly made by the councillor during the broadcast. The allegations included claims that his comments could cause a breakdown of law and order in the council area.
The lawyers alleged that Chukwuemeke later appeared before Justice Samuel Okeleke at the Delta State High Court in Obiaruku but was arrested by police operatives and taken to the State Intelligence Department in Asaba. They further claimed that he remained in custody for seven days before being arraigned before the Federal High Court in Asaba.
His bail application was reportedly heard but not determined before the court went on vacation, resulting in his remand at the correctional centre pending the resumption of the new legal year, according to the petition.
The legal team told Tinubu that the circumstances surrounding the case raised concerns about the treatment of elected representatives who exercise their oversight responsibilities. They urged the President to order an independent investigation and ensure that Chukwuemeke’s constitutional rights are protected.
The lawyers also asked the President to safeguard the independence of local government legislative arms and prevent law-enforcement powers from being used to suppress scrutiny of public finances.
The allegations form part of a longer dispute between Chukwuemeke and the Ukwuani council leadership. The council’s legislative arm has previously disputed his claims, saying his suspension was a collective decision by fellow councillors over an alleged breach of its oath of secrecy.
Chukwuemeke, who represents Ward 19, Ezhionum, was elected in 2024 and has since become publicly associated with calls for greater financial transparency at the local government level. He has also emerged as an APC aspirant for the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election.
The petition has now brought Chukwuemeke’s detention and the wider dispute over local government financial oversight to the attention of the Presidency.
