What did the district commissioner do to the elders of Umuofia?

The court refused to listen to their story and tricked them, sentencing them without hearing their side. The soldiers handcuffed them in a trap, before they had time to put up resistance. They had their heads shaved. Further, they were imprisoned for days without food and water. During their imprisonment they were deeply whipped and beaten by the prison guards, whom constantly insulted the tribesmen.