By Ngozi Okoli
The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Brigade) has debunked allegations of illegal arrests, prolonged detention, and torture of suspects contained in a viral audio recording circulating on social media, describing the claims as false and misleading.
Efforts to obtain comments from the agency’s Managing Director, Chief Celestine Anere, were unsuccessful as his telephone line was unreachable at press time.
The Coordinator Onitsha Unit, Ocha Brigade, Mr. Ejike Odife, dismissed the allegations, stating they were propagated by detractors intent on tarnishing the agency’s reputation. He described the voice recording as the work of an imposter seeking to undermine the brigade’s mandate.
Speaking from his sickbed, Mr. Odife maintained that the agency does not engage in unlawful detention or torture. He clarified that persons apprehended for environmental infractions are only required to pay prescribed government fines. “Such inhuman treatment does not exist in Ocha Brigade and cannot occur under my watch,” he stated.
He condemned the use of social media to disseminate falsehoods and create public panic, urging residents to disregard the audio and continue their lawful activities. He added that those behind the misinformation would be identified in due course.
Ngozi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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