A fresh controversy has erupted involving Ihuoma Julia Nneji, the daughter of Frank Nneji, the renowned founder of ABC Transport, as she publicly challenges the Nigeria Police Force for declaring her wanted without prior notification or any form of official invitation.
Nneji, in a detailed statement issued over the weekend, vehemently denied all allegations leveled against her, including criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and the dissemination of injurious falsehoods. Her name had surfaced in a Special Police Gazette Bulletin published by the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) headquartered in Abuja, a development she claims caught her completely by surprise.
Alleging a deep and personal vendetta as the root cause of her legal woes, Nneji pointed the finger squarely at her former fiancé, Henry Uzochukwu, identifying him as the complainant who, according to her, orchestrated the petition that led to her being declared wanted.
“I was never informed of any petition, nor was I invited by the police for questioning before being listed publicly,” she emphasized, highlighting what she perceives as a clear violation of her rights and a damaging assault on her reputation.
Nneji’s version of events paints a complex picture of personal betrayal, emotional turmoil, and subsequent harassment. Reflecting on her relationship with Uzochukwu, she revealed that they had met in April 2024 and began planning a life together. However, serious concerns about his personal life allegedly came to light, leading her to call off their engagement just months later.
According to Nneji, the relationship took a sharp downward turn in August 2024, after she decided to cancel their wedding, which had been slated for November 2024. She cited “unresolved issues surrounding Henry’s sexuality” as the primary reason behind her decision, claiming that she had discovered incriminating evidence suggesting he was gay.
Her statement further alleged that additional private inquiries uncovered a troubling pattern: multiple past engagements involving Uzochukwu that ended mysteriously, with at least one previous bride allegedly calling off their wedding just a week before the ceremony, for reasons similar to hers.
"I was deceived, manipulated, and misled by the many lies he told to hide the truth about himself," Nneji declared, describing the betrayal as profound and deeply hurtful.
Following the breakup, what Nneji described as a campaign of harassment and threats against her allegedly began. She claimed that Uzochukwu falsely accused her of operating an anonymous Instagram page dedicated to spreading damaging rumors about him, an allegation she flatly denied.
“I have never, on my verified social media accounts or any other platform, defamed, blackmailed, or spread rumors about Henry or anyone else. These accusations are baseless and speculative,” she stressed, maintaining her innocence.
Nneji’s appeal for public understanding and support comes amid growing public interest in the case, especially given her high-profile family background. Her father, Frank Nneji, is a respected entrepreneur and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s transport and logistics sector.
Many observers have expressed concern over the police’s approach to the case, questioning the practice of declaring an individual wanted without first following due process, such as issuing an invitation or informing the accused of any charges pending against them.
As of the time this report was filed, officials of the Nigeria Police Force had yet to release an official response to the serious allegations raised by Nneji regarding her treatment and the broader handling of the situation.
Legal experts have pointed out that declaring an individual wanted typically requires evidence that the person is evading lawful summons or has ignored invitations for questioning—conditions that Nneji insists were never met in her case. If proven, these lapses could have significant legal and ethical implications for the police authorities involved.
Meanwhile, Nneji continues to maintain her innocence, asserting that she is not only willing but eager to clear her name through legitimate legal channels. She expressed hope that her side of the story would be given due consideration, and that justice would prevail both in the court of public opinion and within the judicial system.
"This is not just about me," she said. "It’s about protecting the rights of every citizen against abuse of power and ensuring that personal vendettas do not masquerade as legal action."
The unfolding saga serves as a reminder of the critical importance of due process, even in the age of cybercrime and online defamation battles. It also highlights how personal disputes, when not handled responsibly, can escalate into complex legal battles with potentially far-reaching consequences.
As Nigerians watch the drama unfold, many are asking pointed questions about how the country's law enforcement institutions handle sensitive cases, particularly when high-profile individuals are involved.
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