A 68-year-old blind man, Elder Anibueze Nnadi from Enugu State, has cried out to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to come to his rescue after a series of attempts on his life.

Nnadi’s appeal to Egbetokun followed the alleged compromise of police personnel to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to justice.

Nnadi’s plight, worsened by his lack of a wife and child, became dire after his only house, built for him by sympathetic relatives, was reduced to rubble by his adversaries.

The Ezemagu family, speaking on behalf of Nnadi, recounted his ordeal in an interactive session with reporters,saying “Sometime in 2021, we gathered as the closest relatives to Elder Anibueze Nnadi to give him a befitting shelter. We built a 2-bedroom flat for him and also provided a caregiver.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Christopher Okwor and his children led hoodlums/cultists to Elder Anibueze Nnadi’s house. The house was damaged, and the blind man was beaten up.

“Luckily, one Kenechukwu Ani was arrested at the scene, and at the Enugu Police Headquarters, he confessed to the following: that he was part of the group that demolished the house, that they were fully armed, that they were members of a cult group, that it was one Sammy who contacted him, and that they were working for Mr. Christopher Okwor and his children.

“The then Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, suspended Mr. Christopher Okwor due to his role in the barbaric demolition of the blind man’s house.

“Our family petitioned the IGP, complaining about unlawful possession of firearms, malicious damage to property, cult activities, and attempted murder of Elder Anibueze Nnadi. This was assigned to the CP Admin Section FCIID for investigation.

“Officers from the CP Admin Section came to Enugu for investigation. The suspended traditional ruler, Mr. Christopher Okwor, was arrested, and while en route to Abuja, the police officer released the suspended traditional ruler on bail at Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

“It is important to note that Kenechukwu Ani maintained his confession at the FCID. The officer handling the case exhibited tendencies of bias and compromise. We repeatedly complained to the IGP and DIG, FCID, but nothing came of it.

“The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities waded into the matter, but the team was not intent on doing justice. We decided to rebuild the house, and it was demolished again by the same persons.

“In a letter dated 19/03/2024, through our lawyer, Ejike Ugwu & Associates, we complained bitterly about the officer’s compromise, shady and reckless investigation, and the DIG, FCIID, assigned it to a new team under the CP Admin Section.

“The new team arrived in Enugu on 06/05/2024. On 08/05/2024, the house was demolished for the fourth time. Fortunately, one of the principal suspects, Uzochukwu Okwor, was arrested on 09/05/2024 and moved to Abuja at about 7 pm the same day.

“The next day, around noon, there were plans to release the suspect on bail, despite allegations of unlawful possession of firearms, malicious damage to a dwelling house, cult activities, and attempted murder. Our lawyer vehemently objected to fixing a date for a meeting of the parties.

“The lead IPO, ASP Titus John, quoting the former DPO of Ogbede Police Station, said that the issue was about a chieftaincy tussle and land dispute. At the CP Admin’s office, it was agreed that the investigation needed to cover the following areas before the interview: visiting the scene of the crime, arresting other suspects, obtaining the statement of Elder Anibueze Nnadi, obtaining the statement of the DPO who said it was about a chieftaincy tussle and land dispute, and obtaining statements from the town’s elders to ascertain the true owner of the land.

“Based on the above, the team arrived in Enugu on Sunday, 12/05/2024. We paid for the vehicle to take them for investigation, but we were informed that their office called them not to go out because of the phasing out of sit-at-home orders. The office was aware of this when they released them to come on Sunday.

“At about 1:40 pm that same Monday, while we were brainstorming on how to apprehend the suspects, ASP Titus John called the officers and instructed them to put the phone on speaker, repeated that they should not go anywhere that Monday, instructed them to come back the next day, 14/05/2024, and not to visit the scene.

“He also instructed them to invite the complainants for an interview on 15/05/2024. Our lawyer sent a message to ASP Titus John, asking him to allow the officers on the ground to conduct the investigation, but he has yet to respond.

“Our counsel has written to the DIG, FCIID, to register some of these reservations. On the midnight of 14/05/2024, the residence of Elder Anibueze Nnadi was attacked, with the hoodlums/cultists shooting sporadically. Some of our people identified the culprits, but the officers were instructed not to visit the scene or arrest the perpetrators.

“It is unfortunate that ASP Titus John insisted that no suspect should be arrested and no visit to the scene should occur. As we address you, the officers have left Enugu without effecting any arrest, acting on the instruction of ASP Titus John.

“What may be the reason to defer the visit to the scene when all the evidence might be destroyed? Why is the police shying away from arresting suspects?

“Must our oppressors kill one of us before a proper investigation is conducted? The shift of the interview date was due to Mr. Christopher Okwor’s excuse that he would not be able to make it because our opinion means nothing. Is it appropriate for the police to defer the arrest of principal suspects and the visit to the scene until after the interview?

“We moved Elder Anibueze Nnadi to Enugu from Aku for his statement to be taken, along with those who testified to seeing the hoodlums attacking and shooting last Monday night.

“We are calling on Nigerians to hear our cry. We are calling on the IGP and DIG FCIID to please come to our aid. We are civilised; we cannot resort to self-help but are seeking justice. The desperation expressed by the suspended traditional ruler and his children cannot be overlooked. Thank you, and God bless you all.”