We Don’t Arrest or Detain Environmental Defaulters—We Only Enforce Approved Levies,” Says OCHA Brigade

By Polycarp Ifeanyi

The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, popularly known as the OCHA Brigade, has reacted to a voice note circulating on social media accusing its operatives of various forms of misconduct.

In the viral audio, the agency is accused of carrying out illegal arrests, detaining individuals for days, and subjecting them to torture while in custody.

When contacted, the Onitsha Unit Coordinator of the OCHA Brigade, Mr. Ejike Odife, denied the allegations, describing them as false and the handiwork of detractors.

According to him, the voice recording was produced by an impostor attempting to tarnish the image of the OCHA Brigade and undermine its duties.

Odife, who is currently on his sickbed, stated that the OCHA Brigade does not have the authority to arrest or detain environmental offenders. 

Rather, offenders are required to pay government-approved fines and be released.

“This is very unfortunate. I can assure you that such inhuman treatment does not exist in the OCHA Brigade and cannot occur as far as I am concerned,” Odife clarified.

He further expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of individuals hiding behind social media platforms to fabricate falsehoods in order to create confusion and suspicion about the agency’s operations.

Odife urged members of the public to disregard the audio and go about their lawful activities, warning that the agency would eventually expose those responsible for attempting to damage its reputation online.

Also speaking, Elder Christian Madu dismissed the allegations, stating that the OCHA Brigade does not torture individuals arrested for environmental offences.

“I was once arrested by the OCHA Brigade for urinating in a gutter. I simply followed them to their office and paid the stipulated fine. Nobody assaulted me. Once you pay the required fine, you are allowed to go,” he explained.

Similarly, a trader at Ochanja Market, Hon. Steve Okosa, described the allegations as baseless.

“We are in the era of social media where anyone can say anything. However, I have observed that many people resist the enforcement of laws in Anambra State. Various agencies established by Professor Charles Soludo are constantly being attacked. Today it is the OCHA Brigade; tomorrow it will be SASA; next it could be ATMA,” he said.

Hon. Okosa urged the OCHA Brigade to disregard the allegations and remain focused on carrying out its lawful responsibilities.