On June 21, Onyibe Emmanuel Chinonso, an undergraduate at Ebonyi State University, was released after being detained by the Department of State Services (DSS). Chinonso, who was in his final year of studying computer science at the time of his arrest, spent nearly three years in detention alongside lawyer Pius Awoke, enduring inhumane treatment. In an interview with Opeyemi Lawal, he shares his experience.
How did you end up in Wawa Military Cantonment?
On July 26, 2021, while returning from Abuja, we encountered a military checkpoint at Muritala Mohammed Bridge, Kogi. We were asked to wait as DSS officials from Abuja were searching for a specific Sienna vehicle. After 30 minutes, DSS arrived and instructed us to hand over our phones. They dialed numbers on the phones but found nothing, then left and discussed among themselves. They requested our phones two more times, still finding nothing. They then searched the entire vehicle, our pockets, and our bags. An extra battery was found in Ojima Kenneth’s possession, leading the officers to accuse him of hiding a phone, which he denied. The officers began beating him and eventually tied our hands, transporting us to the DSS office in Lokoja. The next day, July 27, we were handcuffed and taken to the DSS office in Abuja, blindfolded en route. Upon arrival, everything we had was confiscated, and we were placed in an underground cell called ‘Basement 2’. After a week, interrogations began, mainly questioning if we were part of the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Despite our denials, we were transferred to Wawa Military Cantonment on September 23 for further investigation. Our actual offense was never disclosed.
What took you to Abuja at the time?
I went to Abuja to attend the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). As a 400-level student, I was interested in witnessing the proceedings of this public interest matter.
How did this arrest affect your academics?
My academic progress was severely impacted. I missed numerous important things during my time in detention, resulting in significant losses that I would rather not dwell on. My focus now is on rebuilding my life and getting back on track.
What was life like for you in Wawa?
Life in Wawa was extremely harsh. Inmates were maltreated, starved, and deprived of basic needs like food and water. The conditions were inhumane, with people often unable to step out into the sun for extended periods. Many detainees were unjustly held, with their careers and lives wasting away in detention.
I heard you were mixed up with Boko Haram suspects. Could you talk more on this?
Yes, in my cell, there were 15 inmates, of which only two were Igbos; the rest were Boko Haram suspects. The facility housed over 4000 inmates, with new suspects brought in frequently. Life in the cell was monotonous and depressing, filled with constant waiting and hopelessness.
What was a typical day in the cell like for you?
A typical day involved waking up, waiting for the day’s meal, and enduring the boredom. You had to find ways to stay strong mentally, often engaging in conversations or playing games like Ludo if available. At times, the monotony was overwhelming, leading to restlessness and loss of hope.
Could you say anything kept you going while in detention?
Maintaining courage and finding small distractions, like conversations and games, were crucial. Despite the dire conditions, these small activities helped me cope with the harsh reality of detention.
Do you have any unforgettable memories or events from your time in detention?
There were many, but one that stands out is the two weeks in May when we were completely deprived of water. The experience of watching life drain from your body due to lack of food and water is unforgettable.
Can you describe how the military officials treated you?
The military officials showed no regard for our human rights, treating us like animals. Greetings were often ignored, and medical issues were poorly handled, with improper treatments leading to unnecessary suffering and deaths.
Was there a medical practitioner there?
There was a doctor and some nurses, but their care was inadequate. They often mixed up treatments and provided only basic drugs like Paracetamol and Flagyl, sometimes selling the drugs meant for us. Proper medical care was rarely given, and the deceased were buried without notifying their families.
Were you ever sick throughout your time in detention?
Yes, I suffered from severe malaria and typhoid in 2022. I survived by using malaria drugs I had collected earlier. The delay in medical response often forced inmates to become their own doctors.
Did you have beds there? What about your personal hygiene? How did you manage it?
There were no beds, only mats shared among inmates. Personal hygiene was challenging; soap was provided infrequently, and water was scarce. We managed with what little we had, often going without proper cleaning supplies.
Did you get new clothes?
Clothes were distributed infrequently, with items like singlets, boxers, and polo shirts given once a year, if at all. Many of us had to wear the same clothes for extended periods.
Does this mean you wore one singlet, a pair of boxer shorts, and a polo every day for one year?
Yes.
How were you able to keep track of time in detention? You had a radio you listened to?
No, we had no radios. I kept track of time by marking dates on a toothpaste pack with charcoal from the food we were given. This was how I maintained a sense of time until my release.
Credit: fij.ng