#endbadgovernance Protesters Demand Arrest Of Five Police Officers Over ‘2017 Abduction, Death Of Businessman’

 

The protesters made the demand during the demonstration held outside the Federal High Court in Abuja, where they accused the officers of ignoring multiple court orders and evading accountability for nearly nine years.

A coalition of civil society groups under the #EndBadGovernance Movement and Abuja Left has staged a protest in Abuja, calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to order the immediate arrest and prosecution of five police officers accused of abducting businessman Chukwuemeka John in 2017 and allegedly subjecting him to unlawful detention, robbery and other human rights violations.

The protesters made the demand during the demonstration held outside the Federal High Court in Abuja, where they accused the officers of ignoring multiple court orders and evading accountability for nearly nine years.

According to the protesters, the officers identified as ASP Anthony Obiozor, Sgt. Uzochukwu Emeana, John Eze, Oriole, also known as “Tboy”, and SP Sunday Okpe, formerly attached to the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Azukor, Anambra State, allegedly abducted John from his residence in 2017.

They alleged that after his arrest, the officers confiscated his vehicles, stole his valuables, emptied his bank accounts over a four-day period and continued to detain him despite several court orders directing his release.

The protesters further claimed that the officers were protected from prosecution during the tenure of former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

Addressing journalists at the protest, Coordinator of the intervention and representative of Abuja Left, Gerard Kachi, said the prolonged delay in securing justice for the businessman and his family has become unacceptable.

MISSING BUSINESSMAN

“We are civil society organisations, Coalition of Civil Societies in Abuja, popularly known as Abuja Left. We are here to lend our voice against the injustice that is being delayed because today it appears like justice delayed is justice denied,” Kachi said.

Kachi alleged that John was abducted by police officers at his residence in Lagos and that his property was taken during the operation.

He also claimed that John died while in police custody, although he said the circumstances surrounding his death remained unclear.

“Mr. John died in custody or they killed him. We don’t know the one we can believe, but as far as we are concerned, they killed him,” he alleged.

The activist said several courts had issued orders relating to the case but accused the Nigeria Police Force of refusing to comply with the court orders.

“There have been a lot of court orders in this particular matter. Different courts have given orders which police have not honoured,” he said.

Kachi also alleged that a judicial panel of inquiry established under the National Human Rights Commission investigated the matter and indicted three officers, but said no action had been taken against them.

He called on the Inspector-General of Police to prosecute those indicted, release the investigative report to the family, and ensure compensation is paid.

“So we are here to lend our voice and call for justice because justice delayed for nine years is obviously justice denied and we cannot accept that,” Kachi said.

He added that the Attorney-General of the Federation should intervene to ensure accountability and justice for the victim’s family.

In a statement issued after the protest, the #EndBadGovernance Movement described John as a husband and father of four whose family have endured years of anguish since his disappearance.

The group appealed to IGP Disu to restore public confidence in the police by ensuring the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officers named in the allegations.

SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS