By Akinwale Kasali
Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe has joined the league of persons seeking justice for Emmanuel Okocha, an Aba- based businessman who was killed by a trigger happy Police man at a checkpoint in Aba, Abia State.
Okocha was shot on Wednesday along Aba-Owerri Road by Corporal Obagi Njok, during an argument following his refusal to part with some money at the checkpoint.
He later died on Friday in the hospital where he was rushed to for treatment.
Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District in a Statement on Sunday described the action of the killer cop as “primitive and most unconscionable”, and called for the establishment of a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the killing and other complaints against the police in Aba.
He also urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to rein in the officers involved and to ensure that similar incidents are not witnessed again in Abia.
The statement by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, described “the gruesome cold blooded murder of Mr Okocha by the trigger-happy policeman on the allegation that he refused to give the said police officer money, is not only disgraceful, a serious blight on the image of the Nigeria Police but one that is unacceptable and stands condemnable by all.”
He, however, appealed for calm, but reminded the authorities that “the current sad development represents the low side of the proliferation of check points 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 is becoming alarming and worrisome. People now live in fears 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.
Senator Abaribe condoled with the bereaved family, his Abriba community and people of Abia State.
