A seven-member investigative committee set up by the Abia State Government has cleared a former lawmaker, Hon. Chisom Nwogbe, of allegations that he vandalised the Agburuezeukwu Primary Health Centre in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, concluding that there was no evidence of vandalism or theft of government property.
The committee, constituted after a viral social media video alleged that Nwogbe had vandalised the health facility at Umuezegu Nsulu in Agburuezeukwu Autonomous Community, submitted its report to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, at the Government House, Umuahia, on Thursday.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the committee, Assistant Commandant Emma Ogbuehi (Rtd.), said investigations established that Nwogbe visited the health centre on June 27, 2026, to retrieve building materials he had left behind after completing an earlier maintenance contract at the facility.
According to Ogbuehi, the items included two metal doors, 15 drums of paint, 22 empty paint buckets and one-and-a-half lengths of long-span aluminium roofing sheets.
He explained that after discussions involving the Officer-in-Charge of the health centre and the contractor handling ongoing renovation work, it was agreed that the materials should not be removed immediately, prompting Nwogbe to offload the items that had already been loaded onto a tricycle.
The committee further found that the incident escalated when Mr Kenneth Nwogwugwu allegedly intervened and compelled members of the local vigilante group to take Nwogbe and the tricycle rider to the vigilante office at the Umuezegu Civic Hall, where both men were reportedly handcuffed.
It also identified Mr Ikpeama Chinemere, popularly known as “Table Shaker”, as the individual who recorded and circulated the video of the incident on social media. According to the committee, Chinemere admitted before the panel that he filmed and shared the footage.
Ogbuehi said the committee found no evidence that any government property was vandalised or stolen, adding that Nwogbe was instead subjected to public assault, unlawful detention and defamation following the circulation of the video.
The committee also stated that the two individuals linked to the incident were neither members of the community nor of the local vigilante group, adding that its recommendations were contained in the report submitted to the government.
Receiving the report on behalf of Governor Alex Otti, Ajagba commended the committee for what he described as a thorough and professional investigation.
He said the government decided to institute an independent probe after the allegations gained traction on social media in order to establish the true facts surrounding the incident.
According to him, the committee’s findings confirmed that no vandalism took place.
“From your report, it has been established that no vandalization took place. Rather, it was more or less a case of character assassination, and we thank you for bringing the truth to light”, the Chief of staff said.
Ajagba reaffirmed the Otto led administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law, stressing that government would not shield anyone found guilty of defamation or criminal conduct.
“This administration has zero tolerance for corruption or any form of criminality. Anyone involved in criminal acts, no matter how highly placed, will be brought to book.
“This administration remains committed to infrastructural development and creation of a conducive environment where every Abian can enjoy the best quality of life.”
He assured that the government would study the committee’s recommendations and take appropriate action to prevent a recurrence of false allegations capable of damaging the reputation of innocent citizens.
The Chief of Staff also cautioned residents against circulating unverified information on social media and warned that those who engage in rumour-mongering and character assassination would be held accountable.
“We want to caution those who peddle rumours without verifying their authenticity to be careful. Abia State is a place where law and order have found their abode.
“Anyone who seeks to cause disaffection through rumour mongering, false accusations or character assassination will not find this state a safe haven”, Ajagba warned.
The investigative committee comprised representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant agencies.
