Octogenarian Petitions Police Over Alleged Multiple Offences

An 82-year-old retired school principal, Dr Onukwuo Joseph Onuegbu, has petitioned the police over alleged multiple offences by a police officer, Emmanuel Ogbuti and his three siblings in Abia State.

The petition, addressed to the assistant inspector general of police in charge of Zone 9, was signed by Onuegbu’s counsel, M.C. Nnanna, and made available to LEADERSHIP Sunday in Umuahia, the state capital.

According to the petition, the others are Nmecha Ogbuti, Ifeanyi Ogbuti, and Kalu Ogbuti all of Amaogwu village, Bende, in Bende local government area.

The petition, dated April 14, indicated that the allegations include conspiracy, forceful entry, acts intended to cause grievous harm and occasioning harm.

It explained that the attack which left Onuegbu seriously injured was committed when elders of the village were mediating a land dispute between the retired principal and the Ogbutis on April 13.

It also noted that, “Those present were greatly appalled by the shameful and disgraceful act of the officer by initiating the attack with so much impunity without respect to the law he is meant to enforce.

“His act was not only oppressive, but a dent and disgrace on the image of the Nigeria Police. His actions amount to abuse of police powers for which he should be sanctioned.

“It is, therefore, our humble request that apart from reprimanding the officer, that you direct investigation into the aberrant acts of the suspects with a view to arresting and prosecuting them for committing the above offences.”

In a comment, Onuegbu, who later served as the education secretary of the area, said the parcel of land in dispute was purchased by his late father as far back as 1951 from one of the villagers, Iwueze Kalu.

He said, “Following the demise of my father in 1975, I have been in peaceful procession of the land without any challenges or adverse claims from anybody whatsoever including the Ogbutis.”