An Abuja-based lawyer, Barr Ejikeme Ignatius Ugwu has petitioned the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, PSC, Dr Solomon Arase, over alleged poor handling of the case involving a visually impaired man, Elder Anibueze Nnadi and Igwe Christopher Okwor, the suspended traditional ruler of Ihekwuenu-Aku Autonomous Community, in Igbo-Etitit local government area of Enugu State.
In the petition dated June 6, 2024, Ugwu is urging the PSC chairman to intervene and ensure justice for the victim.
It could be recalled that Elder Nnadi’s house was demolished on two occasions, a development that earned the traditional ruler a suspension from the throne by former governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
However, three years later, the case is yet to make appreciable progress.
Ugwu accused the policemen handling the case of compromise.
Copied in the petition are the National Security Adviser, the Hon. Minister, Police Affairs. the Chairman, Human Rights Commission, and the DIG, Federal Criminal Investigation Department, FCID.
He told the PSC Chairman that the investigators were using their offices to shield the suspects.
The lawyer recalled that in September, 2021, some persons working on the instruction of suspended Igwe Christopher Okwor demolished the dwelling house built for blind and childless Elder Anibueze by his relatives.
He said the case was reported to the Divisional Police Headquarters, Ogbede, adding that a suspect named Kenechukwu Ani was arrested and handed over to the Enugu State CID.
He alleged that the said Ani indicted the suspended monarch and other members of his family.
“Unfortunately, the Enugu Police Command was not able to make further arrests; a petition was submitted to the Inspector General of Police and it was assigned to the CP Admin Section of the FCIID.
“While the case was still at the Enugu State CID, the then Governor of Enugu State suspended Christopher Okwor as the traditional ruler.
“Despite repeated appeals from our client, men and officers of the CP Admin sat tightly on the case to ensure that justice was not served not minding the statement of Kenechukwu Ani.
“Our clients following the frustration of the investigation went back and rebuilt the house for the Anibueze Nnadi.”
He, however, lamented that the same persons allegedly brought the house down again.
“In order to frustrate the investigation, Christopher Okwor initiated three cases at the FCID Annex, Enugu.
“In a Petition dated 19/03/2024, we bought to the notice of the DIG FCID of the duplicity of case file and requested that all case files be harmonized and consolidated which the DIG FCID graciously granted and it was assigned to one ASP Titus John,” he said, lamenting that no progress had been made thereafter.
He claimed that his client had spent over Four Million Naira (N4, 000, 000.00) in mobilizing officers handling the case, whereas they have not been able to get any result.
Ugwu said, “We are worried with the ugly dimension of total compromise in cases relating to unlawful possession of firearms, malicious damage to dwelling house, cult activities and threat to life considering the current security situation in the South East.
“How can you arrest and release suspects facing such crimes without executing a search warrant?
“Is there no justice for a poor man under the watch of officers and men of the CP Admin Section?
“Are interviews conducted before investigations or investigations before interview or all are avenues targeted towards freeing the deadly suspects.
“The lives and properties of clients and that of our lives are in imminent danger and if anything happens to any of us, CP Admin and his men should be held responsible.
He implored the PSC Chairman “to order immediate investigation into our client’s case and ensure that these dissidents are brought to book.
“That you order the DIG FCID to give his officers further instruction and ensure no total compliance.”
Demolition of visually impaired man’s house: Lawyer petitions PSC over alleged compromise
