Residents of Isuaniocha Community, Awka North, Anambra State, have appealed to the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, and Governor Charles Soludo to intervene in the widespread insecurity, terror and human rights violations going on in the community.
Executive Director of Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Okechukwu Nwanguma, made the appeal on behalf of the people at a press briefing, yesterday, in Abuja. Nwanguma accused one Inspector Matthew Abu Michael, of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, of doing the biddings of a deposed community leader, Anthony Onyeagolu.
He alleged that Onyeagolu is standing trial for murder, while Michael is frustrating the legal process by masterminding attacks on witnesses after being compromised. He claimed that over 23 community members have been remanded in Awka prison, five others detained in zone 13 cell and two elderly men, recently arrested, detained in Anthony Onyeagolu’s private cell in the community, where they are being tortured, following their arrests by Matthew.
He called on the governor to intervene before the crisis leads to war. Nwanguma said: “We, hereby, call on the current IGP to order an impartial and exhaustive investigation into activities of Inspector Michael, and ensure that appropriate disciplinary actions are taken against him for offering his services for selfish benefits to derail justice and terrorise innocent community members, who are seeking justice and peace.
“He should be directed to stop further interference in the trial of those involved in murder and attempted murder so that justice can be served.
“He should be ordered to immediately withdraw from Isuaniocha Community to allow peace prevail.”
