Killer of Aba biz man must not go unpunished, Abia govt tells CP * As Chika insists police ‘ve no right to search people’s phones

Killer of Aba biz man must not go unpunished, Abia govt tells CP

* As Chika insists police ‘ve no right to search people’s phones

By Steve Oko

Abia State Government, has told the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, to ensure that the police personnel that killed a business man, Emmanuel Okocha,
at a checkpoint in Aba, did not go unpunished.

This is as a group known as Youth Advocates For Peace Justice And Empowerment (YAFPJAE), has declared that “Police do not have the right to search people’s phones”, describing such act as gross violation of citizens’ privacy.

The victim was allegedly shot by the trigger happy cop for refusing to part with some money at the checkpoint.

He later died in a hospital on Friday last week.

The State Government in a statement issued Wednesday by Secretary to Abia State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, condemned the callous act, and enjoined the police authorities to ensure the victim got justice.

The statement read in part:” Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, is personally saddened by this unfortunate incident and has directed the Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Kene Onwuemelie, to ensure that the Police officers involved in this unfortunate incident are duly investigated and anyone found culpable is made to face the full wrath of the law.

“Preliminary information from the Abia State Police Command shows that one of the Police officers involved is already in custody and would be made to go through the disciplinary process of the Police Force. If he is culpable, the officer would be sanctioned appropriately and charged to court.”

While commiserating with the immediate family of the victim and the entire people of Abiriba and the Aba community at large, the State Government commended the communities for heeding to the appeal not to go on protest or take laws into their hands in display of anger over the death of Okocha.

“The State Government wishes to assure the family and the Abiriba and Aba communities that there will be no cover-up in this matter.

“The State Government would like to reassure the citizens and residents of its commitment to protecting their lives and property at all times and enjoins everyone to go about their lawful businesses without fear or hindrance”, the statement added.

In a separate statement, the National President of YAFPJAE, Ugwumba Chika, also condemned to untimely death of Okocha in the hands of security agent constitutionality paid to protect lives and property.

The rights activist who said his group had been inundated with complaints of police intimidation from members of the public, called on Police Authorities to quickly address allegations of human rights abuses by its personnel.

He frowned at the activities of some bad eggs in the force “whose modus operandi negates the rule of engagement expected from police officers.”

“Police have no right to check people’s phones on the roads, streets or in their cars”, he fumed, adding that “people have a right to self dignity which is a fundamental human right.”

Continuing he said:”Prying into people’s privacy including checking their phones and laptops is tantamount to violating their rights to self dignity.”

He, however, acknowledged that “the police have the responsibility to conduct ‘stop and search’ on any property or a personal belonging that they have reasonable suspicions that it is a subject of crime.”

The rights activist urged members of the public to report any police personnel that searched their phone.

“If a policeman searches your phone on the road, you have the right to report that policeman for disciplinary action to be taken.

“You have the right not to release your phone to police for search except there is a report that your phone was used for crime.”

He lamented the killing of the late Okocha by the ‘calous Corporal’ “simply because he refused to tip an officer”, describing the act as the height of cruelty.

Condoling with the family of the victim, the rights activist urged the Police hierarchy to ensure that the culprit did not escape justice.

He, however, commended the Commissioner of Police,
Mr Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, for his relentless efforts in checkmating the activities of criminal elements terrorising residents.

The rights activist noted that Abia had been in the news for the wrong reasons following the activities of cultists and ‘One chance’ robbery syndicate.

According to his, “the CP has through intelligence gathering, intensive raids on criminal hideouts and visible patrols, risen to the occasion in curtailing the activities of the men of the underworld.”

He, therefore urged him to sustain the tempo but also watch against rights abuse by his officers and men.

 

Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria.

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