August 21, (THEWILL) – A human rights organisation based in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital, Ebonyi Justice, Human Right Protection and Defense Organization (JHRPD), has expressed concern over the delay in the conclusion of the trial of the suspects arrested in connection with the kidnap and murder of a women leader in Ishiagu Community, Ivo Local Government Area of the State, Mrs. Catherine Okorie.
Briefing Journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital, the Director of the organisation, Mr. Silas Akubuiro, described it as unfortunate and regrettable that years after some of those arrested and detained were granted bail, they are now walking freely in the streets of the State.
The group urged the judiciary not to allow political influence to scuttle the speedy trail of the suspects and urged the judiciary not to allow perpetrators of injustice and crime to go unpunished.
“When justice is served to perpetrators of criminal activities, others will learn to avoid crime. We are aware that the current Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area of the State, Hon Emmanuel Aja, was arrested by the police in connection with the crime and was charged in court. We are also aware that he was remanded at the Abakaliki correctional centre and was later granted bail on health grounds.
“Regrettably, immediately after he was granted bail, he contested for the Chairmanship position of the Local Government and emerged successful. What an irony, a man charged with kidnapping and murder was granted bail and was made a Council Chairman.
“In as much as we are not disturbed by the political position he is currently holding, our concern is that he is not covered by immunity and we urge the court to continue with the trial and ensure that those found guilty are made to face the full wrath of the law, no matter how highly placed.
“It is our determination to ensure justice to all who deserve it and the protection and defence of human rights is the watchword of this organisation. We are going to immediately forward a petition to the Chief Judge of the State and copy other relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is concluded and not swept under the carpet.
“Gentlemen, it is disheartening that the previous administration of the State, being mindful that Hon Aja Emmanuel was facing charges of kidnapping, armed Robbery and murder, masterminded his being granted bail and he was released from prison and was hurriedly made Council Chairman to scuttle the continuation of the trail.
“I want to assure you that this organisation will follow up on the matter and ensure that anyone found guilty is made to face the full wrath of the law. No one is above prosecution. That one is a Council Chairman and is facing trial, the matter mustn’t be stalled because of his political position.”
Similarly, a woman leader from the community, who spoke on grounds of anonymity, lamented that since the trial was stalled, the rate of kidnapping in the community has increased to an alarming rate.
“We were made to believe that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man but unfortunately, in the case of the kidnap and murder of Mrs. Okorie, the judiciary has decided to look the other way while the arrested suspects move freely,” she said.
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
