CRRAN petitions Gov Mbah over alleged abduction, detention of three teenagers in Enugu Estate

A Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), a human rights organisation, has petitioned Peter Mbah, the Enugu State governor, over the alleged abduction and unlawful detention of three teenagers for about three months by a resident of the Heliu Housing Estate, Enugu.

The estate is located along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, opposite Centenary Estate.

In a petition signed by Olu Omotayo, president of CRRAN, and made available to journalists on Thursday, the organisation called for the governor’s urgent intervention to ensure justice for the victims.

Copies of the petition were also sent to the Enugu State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

According to the petition, residents and managers of the estate were shocked on June 11, 2026, when three teenagers reportedly escaped from a house within the estate and sought help.

The teenagers were identified as Joseph Ibangwu, Izuchukwu Junior, and Miracle Tochukwu. CRRAN stated that the victims appeared severely malnourished and bore visible marks of torture and injuries across their bodies.

The teenagers allegedly told residents that they had been confined in the house since March 16, 2026, after being brought from neighbouring Ebonyi State.

According to the organisation, the victims were subsequently handed over to officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who operate a security post within the estate.

During interrogation, the teenagers reportedly disclosed that they were recruited from Ebonyi State to work at the business premises of a resident living at House HY193 within the estate.

However, upon arrival, they were allegedly locked in a room, had their mobile phones confiscated, and were prevented from leaving the premises.

“They further stated that their captors fed them only once daily with plain white rice and subjected them to regular beatings, resulting in the injuries found on their bodies,” the petition stated.

The victims also alleged that their movements were strictly restricted and that surveillance cameras were installed throughout the house to monitor them.

CRRAN explained that the teenagers managed to escape when their alleged captor mistakenly left a door unlocked. Although the suspect reportedly attempted to return home after noticing their escape through a phone-linked surveillance system, residents had already discovered and assisted the victims.

The NSCDC officials immediately arrested the suspect and later transferred him to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Enugu for further investigation.

The organisation disclosed that the estate residents arranged medical treatment for the teenagers due to the severity of their injuries. Photographs documenting the alleged wounds were attached to the petition.

Condemning the incident, CRRAN described the alleged acts as “barbaric” and called on Governor Mbah to ensure that all those involved are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.

“We trust and believe that you will take the necessary action because of this administration’s zero tolerance for crime and criminal activities,” the group stated.

CRRAN further described the alleged detention and abuse as a “heinous crime” and “a crime against humanity,” warning against any situation that could allow lawlessness to thrive in society.

The organisation urged the governor to take decisive action to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for all those found culpable.