Abaribe, Bishop Onuoha seeks justice for Aba biz man killed by police at a checkpoint

Senator Enyinaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, has condemned in strong terms the killing of Aba-based businessman, Emmanuel Okocha (Emma Noko), by a trigger-happy police corporal at a police checkpoint in Aba.

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Similarly, the Co-Chairman of the Interfaith Peace and Dialogue Forum, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, also condemned the barbaric act and demanded justice for the victim.

The victim was shot on Aba-Owerri Road on Wednesday by Corporal Obagi Njok, in a subsequent argument after he refused to hand over some money at the checkpoint.

He died on Friday in hospital where he was rushed for treatment.

Senator Abaribe, in a statement on Sunday, described the killer’s action as “primitive and highly unconscionable,” and called for the establishment of a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the killing and other complaints against the police in Aba.

The former Senate Minority Leader urged the Inspector General of Police to rein in the officers involved and ensure that similar incidents are not seen again in Abia.

Senator Abaribe, in a statement by his media advisor, Uchenna Awom, said “the gruesome cold-blooded murder of Mr. Okocha by the trigger-happy police officer on the allegation that he refused to give the said police officer money is not only disgraceful but also a grave matter.” The image of the Nigerian Police Force is being tarnished but it is unacceptable and objectionable to all.”

However, he called for calm but reminded authorities that “the current sad development represents the low end of the proliferation of checkpoints in the South East, making it appear as if they are ‘points of purchase and sale’, rather than for security purposes. ”

“These frequent killings by law enforcement officers are becoming alarming and concerning. People now live in fear in their own countries. Our people are becoming afraid of the police rather than trusting their presence on the roads.

“That shouldn’t be the case. This is a country where laws apply and officers must follow the rules when dealing with the civilian population. The brutal killing of Mr Okocha is one too many, especially in Aba and its environs by the police.

“To allay the fears of the people, the police officer who allegedly shot dead Okocha, leaving his young family without a breadwinner, must face the full wrath of the law.

“And for other similar events, I urge the government to set up a judicial panel of inquiry to conduct a holistic investigation with the aim of nipping these ugly events in the bud,” Abaribe said.

Senator Abaribe condoled with the bereaved families, his Abiriba community and the people of Abia State.

Bishop Onuoha said in his statement that the sad incident was “another avoidable, senseless waste of human life!”

“This is worrying and paints an ominous picture of the recklessness and irresponsibility of some operatives of the Nigerian security services,” he said.

Bishop Onuoha, who commiserated with the bereaved, said it was the height of cruelty to waste a life for allegedly refusing to “tip off a police officer.”

“Any loss of life under these circumstances is a grave injustice and a stain on the fabric of our society. No level of rationalization or explanation can excuse such a reprehensible and, dare I say, heinous act!

“Where law enforcement officials, charged with enforcing the law and protecting the lives and rights of all individuals, perpetuate reprehensible acts of violence and criminality and become themselves ‘power-hungry uniformed miscreants’, society opens up to a gateway to chaos . , as continued disregard for the principles of natural justice and humanity is a descent down a slippery slope.

“These deviants can no longer be ignored because they so often throw a spanner in the works of our nation building.

“I therefore call for a thorough and impartial investigation into this tragic incident to ensure that all those responsible are swiftly brought to justice. The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be held accountable for their actions, and action must be taken to prevent such atrocities from happening again in the future.”

Bishop Onuoha also decried the proliferation of security checkpoints in the South East geopolitical zone, calling for a review of the sad development.

“What is even more worrying is the incredible number of checkpoints between the Imo River (Rivers/Abia border) and the Abia/Enugu border.

“Places that have unfortunately become synonymous with evil and lawlessness of all kinds; especially the use of our innocent little boys as ‘undercover toll collectors’.

“It is a national shame that such minors grow up knowing nothing other than the brutality, corruption and crime they are exposed to at the hands of so-called uniformed men.

“What has become of our humanity? How long will this evil continue? How much more can Nigerians swallow? How can we reform the system fairly without vilifying or eliminating those who stand up or adhere to its norms?”