Transformer Petition Stirs Tension in Azumini Ndoki as Police Quiz Retired Federal Director

Tension is reportedly mounting in Azumini Ndoki, Ukwa East LGA of Abia State, following a petition said to have been submitted to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 9, Umuahia, concerning the ownership and alleged sale of a community transformer.

Engr. Emeka Adindu, a retired Director in the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing and President of the Azumini Believers Fellowship (ABF), was on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 invited to appear at the AIG’s office in connection with the matter.

According to sources close to the family, Engr. Adindu had, at the request of Azumini community leaders, assisted in confirming from his former ministry that certain transformers supplied to the area were officially allocated to the Azumini community. The confirmation, it was gathered, was intended to clarify ownership amid internal disputes.

However, following the ministry’s confirmation, a petition was reportedly written by Ambassador Okey Emuchay to the AIG, Zone 9. In the petition, members of the Azumini Interim Administrative Council leadership were allegedly accused of selling a damaged transformer for N4.2 million and misappropriating the proceeds. Engr. Adindu was also mentioned in the petition, prompting his invitation by the police for questioning.

Family sources insist that Engr. Adindu’s role was limited to facilitating verification from the Federal Ministry of Works and that he had no involvement in any alleged transaction concerning the transformer. They described his appearance before the police as a demonstration of his willingness to cooperate with lawful authorities and clear his name.

Engr. Adindu, who resides in Abuja, was said to have travelled to Umuahia despite concerns about his health in order to honour the police invitation. He was accompanied by family members.

Community stakeholders say the development has generated mixed reactions in Ndokiland, with some calling for calm and due process, while others have expressed concern that individuals contributing to community development could become entangled in prolonged disputes.

Engr. Adindu is widely credited by associates with attracting five transformers to Azumini and facilitating the construction of a classroom block at Riverside Primary School, among other interventions aimed at improving infrastructure in the community.

Further information gathered indicates that the petition is part of a broader dispute that has allegedly led to multiple police and court engagements involving members of the community. Some residents claim that the recurring legal battles have heightened tension within Azumini and strained relationships among kinsmen.

Some community members alleged that Ambassador Emuchay has, in recent times, been involved in separate disputes with certain community leaders and relatives, including his own biological mother, resulting in repeated appearances at police stations and in court.

Our Reporter is yet to independently verified the claim as of press time.

Concerned stakeholders have described the situation as worrisome, urging government authorities and security agencies to handle the matter with fairness and sensitivity to prevent further escalation. They argue that the prolonged disputes have placed financial and emotional burdens on individuals in the community, especially amid prevailing economic challenges.

As of press time, there has been no official statement from the police authorities or from Ambassador Emuchay regarding the petition or the ongoing investigation.

Observers have called on all parties to allow security agencies to thoroughly investigate the allegations and ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law, while prioritising peace and unity in the community.