Corp Members Assaulted in Anambra: Lawyer Alleges Hush Money, Demands N1bn Compensation

• A lawyer representing NYSC members assaulted by vigilantes in Anambra alleged the operatives offered hush money ranging from N10,000 to N100,000 and deleted video evidence with police support.

• One victim, Jennifer Edema Elohor, was stripped and beaten, while others also suffered attacks.

• The lawyer has petitioned NYSC to relocate the corps members for safety and is demanding N1bn compensation.

A lawyer for NYSC members assaulted by vigilantes in Anambra claims the operatives tried to buy their silence with cash, offering victims between N10,000 and N100,000.]

Six of the victims reportedly received N10,000 each, while others were given amounts ranging from N25,000 to N100,000.

He said: “The leader of the vigilante group in Oba offered them the money in the presence of the NYSC LGI (Local Government Inspector), who also assisted in deleting the video from their phones to get rid of the evidence. Six of them were given N10,000 each, one was given N25,000 cash, another N25,000 via transfer, and lastly, Jennifer was given N100,000—all in an effort to ensure they do not talk about it. They tagged the N10,000 as compensation and transport fare, but in actual truth, it was hush money because they told them not to say anything again about the incident, otherwise their lives depend on it, along with other subtle threats.”

One victim, Jennifer Edema Elohor, was stripped and beaten, while five others were also assaulted.

The lawyer said he petitioned NYSC to relocate them for safety and accused Anambra police of covering up the incident by ignoring the case and deleting video evidence.

“From the start, the police were aware of the attack but took no action. Jennifer even sent the video to the Police Public Relations Officer, who promised to respond but failed to do so until the matter gained public attention,” Onu added.

The lawyer is demanding N1bn compensation for the victims, citing trauma. Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga denied a cover-up, saying delays were due to Jennifer’s absence but assured justice will be served.