Police Arrest ASUU-IMSU Chairman

On Tuesday, law enforcement officials apprehended Stephen Oguji, the chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Imo State University, Owerri Branch (IMSU).

The ASUU had announced a total and indefinite strike effective immediately on Monday.

Reports indicate that police operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) also detained additional ASUU-IMSU officials, all of whom were held at the police headquarters in Owerri.

The union is reportedly planning to hold a press conference regarding the arrests.

Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson for the state, did not respond to inquiries concerning this matter.

A reliable source at IMSU confirmed the arrests but indicated that the officials were subsequently released.

According to this source, the Government House in Owerri expressed significant displeasure upon learning of the strike action on Monday.

Furthermore, it was disclosed that pressure was exerted on the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze, to persuade the ASUU to suspend the strike.

It was reported that the Vice Chancellor made unsuccessful attempts to convince the union to call off the strike.

Some union officials disrupted examinations scheduled for Monday and conducted rounds throughout the university on Tuesday to ensure compliance among all lecturers.

The ASUU-IMSU stated that the Imo State Government and the IMSU management failed to implement a 2025 agreement regarding improved welfare and working conditions for academic staff.

The union emphasized that the decision to strike followed numerous engagements with university management and the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued by the union without any substantial response.