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The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has alleged that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has shown partiality in its inquiry regarding the killing of Chief Elysian John, the traditional leader of the Oshiugbokor community in Ahoada East local government area of Rivers State, and Saviour Ajikwara, the community’s youth representative.

It claimed that John and Ajikwara were killed in the Okporowo community, located within the Ahoada East LGA, on September 8, 2024, during a reconciliation meeting organized by a well-known local figure, Hon. Emeka Gordon.

In a petition directed to the inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Agbotekun, a version of which was shared with LEADERSHIP on Friday in Port Harcourt, CLO questioned why the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) based at Force Headquarters in Abuja would disregard the recommendations of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and free those suspected of involvement in the killing of the two individuals.

The petition, signed by the organization’s South-South regional chairman and regional director, Chinedu Karl Uchegbu and Stephen Obodoekwe, respectively, alleged that the police arrested Gordon, who had no connection to the murder.

It states: “This petition is an appeal for the people of the Oshiugbokor community, located in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, who have been waiting in vain for justice to be served in the heinous murder of their traditional ruler, Chief Elysian John, and community youth leader, Saviour Ajikwara, over a year ago.”

“We are required to inform you about the intentional mishandling and interference in the investigation into the murder of Chief Elysian John and Saviour Ajikwara, who are from the Oshiugbokor Community in Ahoada East LGA, Rivers State, by members of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) based at Force Headquarters, particularly DCP Mohammed Sanusi (Officer in Charge of IRT).

“We had to approach your office directly due to evident signs of unprofessional behavior from the police team led by CSP Ibrahim, under the supervision of DCP Mohammed Sanusi. Chief Elysian John and Saviour Ajikwara were killed by a well-known cult member who calls himself ‘General…’

The reaction from the Ajikwara family and human rights organizations led to their re-arrest and the case being transferred to the IRT in Abuja. We urge you to utilize your influence to request a new investigation into the matter, ensuring that those responsible for the deaths of Chief Elysian John and Saviour Ajikwara are held accountable.

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Tagged: Nigeria, Legal and Judicial Affairs, Governance, West Africa

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