Former minority leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has described as “primitive and most unconscionable’’ the alleged murder of Emmanuel Michael Okocha (Emma Noko) by a police officer in Aba on Saturday.
Abaribe who represents Abia South in the Senate accordingly urged the Inspector General of Police to rein in the officer involved and for the government to set up a Judicial Panel of Enquiry to look into the killing and others before this, among other heinous criminal complaints against the police command in Aba in particular.
In a statement signed yesterday by his media adviser, Uchenna Awom in Abuja, Abaribe said the murder of Okocha by the trigger-happy policeman on the allegation that he refused to give the said police officer money, is not only disgraceful, but a serious blight on the image of the Nigeria Police and one that is unacceptable and stands condemnable by all.
The lawmaker nonetheless appealed for calm, but reminded the authorities that the current sad development represents the low side of the proliferation of checkpoints in the South East, such that it looks as if they are ‘buying and selling points’, rather than for security purposes.
“These frequent killings by law enforcement officers are becoming alarming and worrisome. People now live in fear in their own country. Our people become more terrified of the police rather than being confident in the presence of them on the roads.
“That should not be the case. This is a country governed by laws and the officers must observe the rules of engagement, while dealing with the civil populace. The brutal murder of Mr Okocha is one too many, particularly in Aba and its environs by the police.
“To assuage the fears of the people, the policeman who allegedly shot and killed Okocha and thus left his young family without a bread winner must be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“And for other associated similar occurrences, I urge the government to set up a Judicial Panel of Enquiry to carry out a holistic inquest with the aim of nipping these ugly events in the bud, ” Abaribe said.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved family, his community and people of Abia State.
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