A young man has been brutally shot dead over land ownership tussle involving families in Awka, Anambra state.
The victim, Chekwube Nnamah
A 28-year-old man, Chekwube Nnamah, has been brutally shot dead over a land dispute in Awka, Anambra State. The death of the young man has caused tension in the area as the youths accused the police of letting the suspected killer of Nnamah go scot-free, hence their decision to embark on the protest.
“We shall also take to major streets in the metropolis to demonstrate our anger over this development,” the source said.
As a result of the circumstances surrounding the killing, 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.”
He called on the police to immediately re-arrest the suspect and charge the individual to court if peace must reign. 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.