The recent press statement credited to the Deputy General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Aba Zone, Elder Okezie Ezengwa, has provoked public outrage and condemnation across Aba and beyond.
In what many have described as a desperate attempt to protect his office and shield rogue elements under his command, the self-acclaimed “Christian Elder” of the Seventh Day Adventist Church shamelessly distorted the facts surrounding the bloody attack on a government contractor, his workers, and the Supervisory Councillor for Health and Environment of Aba North, Hon. Chukwugirim Hilary Chukwugozie, on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Elder Ezengwa, in a press briefing on Monday, November 10, claimed that ASEPA officials were the victims of an “assault” by the contractor’s men, a statement that flies in the face of overwhelming video and pictorial evidence showing his operatives brutally beating the victims opposite Christ Embassy and UBA Bank by Bata Junction, Aba.
We challenge the so-called Elder to provide his own evidence to support his claims. Where are the videos showing ASEPA officials being attacked? Where are the pictures of their alleged injuries? On the contrary, the entire city has seen clips of ASEPA thugs led by one Elder Ijeoma Nwokoleme mercilessly assaulting a peaceful government contractor, Mr. Destiny Chimobiokwu, his workers, and Hon. Chukwugozie, who was simply performing lawful duties under the directive of the Deputy Chairman of Aba North, Hon. Christian Chijioke Ogbuisi.
If indeed Elder Ezengwa is the Christian he claims to be, he should remember the Biblical injunction that says, “Thou shall not bear false witness.” But instead of standing for truth, Elder Ezengwa has chosen to defend thuggery, brutality, and corruption, an action unbecoming of any public servant, let alone a church Elder.
The question begging for an answer is simple: when did a government contractor start carrying machetes or fighting government officials in broad daylight? The victims were visibly unarmed, carrying out legitimate work on a Ministry of Works-approved project. Eyewitnesses have consistently testified that ASEPA officials stormed the site unprovoked, attempting to seize hardcore stones meant for erosion control, before resorting to violence when their illegal demands were resisted.
It is on record that the attack left the contractor, his staff, and the Councillor hospitalized with varying degrees of injury. Yet, the DGM, instead of condemning the barbaric conduct of his men, is trying to twist the narrative to protect his rogue officers including Elder Ijeoma Nwokoleme, Mr. Uche Nwangwa, and Mr. Richard Sunday who have long been notorious in Aba for extortion and intimidation under the guise of environmental enforcement.
One wonders what kind of moral example Elder Ezengwa hopes to set for his congregation at the Seventh Day Adventist Church when he blatantly lies in public to shield evil. Is this the kind of “Christian leadership” that should represent Abia State’s environmental agency?
The people of Aba are not deceived. The truth is clear for all to see. Videos don’t lie. The public has seen the faces of the aggressors, and their brutality cannot be swept under the carpet by official propaganda.
It is therefore unacceptable for Elder Ezengwa to continue parading himself as a public official after attempting to whitewash such a heinous act. His actions have brought ASEPA and the entire Abia State Government to disrepute.
We therefore call on His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, to immediately order a thorough, independent investigation into the incident and to relieve Elder Okezie Ezengwa of his duties for condoning and defending thuggery within ASEPA. Anything short of decisive action will embolden more of such lawless operatives and tarnish the integrity of the Governor’s reform-driven administration.
Governor Otti’s government has been widely celebrated for restoring discipline, order, and accountability in public service. Allowing deceitful officials like Elder Ezengwa to remain in office would not only stain that record but also send a dangerous message that brutality and cover-ups are acceptable under his watch.
Abia people are watching, and history will remember those who stood for truth and those who buried it under lies.
