ASUU condemns arrest of its leaders over strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of two of its senior officials in connection with the ongoing indefinite strike at Imo State University (IMSU). The Owerri Zone Chapter of ASUU, which oversees both IMSU and the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) in Anambra State, confirmed that Chinedu Egbuchu, the vice-chairman of the IMSU branch, and Nnamdi Chibo, the Investment Secretary, were arrested by police on Tuesday. According to a statement released on Wednesday by ASUU Zonal Coordinator Dennis Aribodor, the two officials were detained following their presence at the Faculty of Media and Communication Studies during examinations. The union stated that the officials were monitoring compliance with the industrial action at the university when they met with the IMSU public relations officer. There was no initial conflict, but the situation escalated when the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the university arrived and escorted the two ASUU members to the university's security building, where police were already present. They were questioned and taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where they remained for over seven hours before being released on bail of one million naira each. They were instructed to return to the State CID on Tuesday, 18 August 2026. ASUU emphasized that the strike at IMSU is legitimate, having been authorized by the union's National Executive Council after the state government failed to implement the terms of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement. The union noted that more than five months have passed since the agreement was supposed to begin taking effect at IMSU and COOU, yet no progress has been made. In response, the union organized a press conference to urge the university administrations and the governors of Imo and Anambra states, Hope Uzodimma and Charles Soludo respectively, to take immediate steps toward implementation. Despite these efforts, the union claims it has received no response from the university administrators or the state governments. Following this, the IMSU branch of ASUU issued a 21-day ultimatum, which went unheeded. Subsequently, the union conducted a national visitation to address the issue, but the strike proceeded as planned. ASUU reiterated that the strike is not a result of provocation but rather a necessary measure due to the non-implementation of the agreement. It expressed concern over the recent arrests, stating that such actions are not only unwarranted but also counterproductive. The union warned the IMSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chukwumaeze Uchefula, that he would be held personally responsible if anything were to happen to any of its members or their families. ASUU insisted that its demands are aimed at benefiting both the university and its leadership. At a press conference on Wednesday, Stephen Oguji, Chairman of the IMSU branch of ASUU, condemned the arrest and detention of Egbuchu and Chibo. He stressed that union officials must be allowed to perform their duties without facing intimidation, harassment, or unjustified detention. The union has called upon the Visitor of Imo State University and Governor Hope Uzodimma to ensure the prompt implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement at IMSU. The union continues to demand accountability and swift action from the relevant authorities to resolve the ongoing dispute.