Former Super Eagles star Uche Nwofor seeks justice after alleged assault by Soldiers
Former Super Eagles star Uche Nwofor has petitioned the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, seeking justice after allegedly being assaulted by soldiers in Onitsha.
The incident, which occurred on May 20, 2024, at Modebe Memorial Primary School, has sparked outrage and calls for an investigation into the soldiers’ conduct.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, representing Nwofor, described the attack as “barbaric, absurd, condescending, and embarrassing,” stating that it was a blatant violation of Nwofor’s right to dignity. Effiong’s petition urges the Army Chief to form a disciplinary panel to investigate the incident and ensure that the soldiers involved are held accountable. He also requests monetary compensation for Nwofor.
According to the petition, Nwofor and his friends, including former Enugu Rangers International player Ozor Philips and Turkey-based Uzoma Charles, were at the Onitsha Army Barracks when soldiers approached them. Charles was ordered to sit on the road and had his dreadlocks forcibly shaved off with unhygienic scissors. Nwofor, who initially resisted, was eventually forced to sit on the road as well. The soldiers mocked and called them derogatory names like “Yahoo boy” and “bad boy.”
The petition emphasises that Nwofor’s treatment was a gross violation of his fundamental human rights and calls for immediate action against the soldiers responsible. Effiong demands that the Army address this injustice and compensate Nwofor for the violation of his rights, noting that Nwofor, a former Super Eagles star, has brought joy to many football-loving Nigerians and maintained his clean dreadlocks without committing any crime.
The case has drawn significant attention, with many advocating for swift justice and stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
