TENSION IN AWKA ANAMBRA STATE

                             
                                  

Some in Awka, the Anambra State capital, say they will on Monday (Yesterday) take to the streets to protest the death of a 28-year-old man, Chekwube Nnamah, who was shot dead following a land dispute.

                    

The youths accused the police of letting the suspected killer of Nnamah go scot-free, hence their decision to embark on the protest.

A source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, toldSouthern City News that the youths in Awka would cause major markets in the area to close down on Monday.

“We shall also take to major streets in the metropolis to demonstrate our anger over this development,” the source said.

Also, a lawyer in the community, Mr. C.O.C. Akabogu, said he had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, over what he called a conspiracy of silence on the matter.

The petition, dated April 27, 2016, made available to reporters on Saturday in Awka, was titled, ‘Complaint against police activities, conspiracy, unlawful and illegal release of a murder suspect’.

The petition read in part, “Kindly refer to our petition to you dated 3rd March, 2016 and titled, ‘compliant against police activities: A case of subversion of justice in a case of murder’.

“Recall that in that petition we intimated you that one Mr. Jeff Nweke was shot and murdered in cold blood without any provocation. Even the gun that was used to kill the deceased was not licensed.

“To our greatest surprise, the police were unable to charge the suspect to court since March 2, 2016. Rather, the investigation has been going in a zigzag direction.

“Now, the latest information reaching our client, Ezinabo Youths of Awka, Anambra State, indicates that the suspect was taken to the force headquarters in Abuja, where he was allegedly released on bail.

“The worst has happened and this is a scandalous and flagrant violation of the law and this is the type of gross professional misconduct that normally brings the police force public hatred, ridicule and odium.

“If not for the wise counsel of notable Awka community leaders, the youths would have resorted to self-help to express their grievances over the police misconduct.”

Akabogu called for the suspect’s re-arrest, demanding that the suspect should be taken back to the Anambra State Police Command under whose jurisdiction the alleged murder took place.

This, according to the petitioner, will pave the way for the suspect to be charged to court in line with the due process of the law.

The petitioner maintained that a murder suspect, who was at large, remained a threat to public safety, adding that those concerned were still counting on the prompt intervention of the IGP.