Juliana Francis
The Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Okechukwu Nwanguma, condemns the extrajudicial killing of 31-year-old Mr. Onyeka Emmanuel Ibeh by a Police Inspector identified as Obi Ebri who is attached to the Area Command, Asaba.
The human rights activist, who stated the incident occurred on April 5, 2023, calls for a prompt, impartial, and effective investigation into the reckless shooting with a view to ensuring justice.
He said: “Emmanuel Ibeh was shot inside the car with his pregnant wife watching around Ugbolu Area in Asaba. The incident occurred at a Stop and Search operation by some policemen along Ugbolu-Illah Road, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State.”
According to him, RULAAC was shocked that after the events of #EndSARS in October 2020 and its aftermath, a police officer could still engage in such reckless abuse of firearms and abuse of police authority, to kill a fellow citizen for refusing to pay bribe of one hundred Naira at a checkpoint.
He said: “RULAAC commends the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Muhammed Ali, for his prompt action in ordering the detention and prosecution of the Police Inspector and urges the CP to ensure a speedy and transparent disciplinary procedure that will lead to substantial justice.
“This is necessary to create deterrence and to send a loud and clear message that impunity can no longer be tolerated by the NPF. RULAAC conveys its condolences to the family members of the victim.”