‘Police killed my son, I want justice’

Ozuah and Chinwe

Mrs. Chinwe Ozuah, the mother of Ugochukwu Ozuah, the man who was allegedly killed by policemen five days after his wedding, on Thursday in Lagos said the police should be held responsible for her son’s death.

Chinwe, who held back tears, recalled that she saw her son a day before the incident, lamenting that she did not know that was the last time she would see him.

She said, “The police killed my son and all I want for him is justice. The last time I saw him was last Wednesday and we spoke. He made so many promises to me but unfortunately he was killed.

Family members of the 36-year-old man have again berated the police for the alleged murder and insensitivity.

Ugochukwu’s family berated the police not only for the alleged murder but also for their inability to carry out proper investigation.

In view of this, the family expressed concern that the police might eventually cover up the case.

The deceased’s friend, Irikefe Omene, who was with the slain man, had told PUNCH Metro that Özuah was killed by policemen around UPS on Oworonsoki Expressway on September 20, 2012.

But the police denied the allegation immediately, attributing the incident to armed robbery.

The deceased’s elder sister, Nkechi Nnoyelu, berated the Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, for insensitivity.

She said, “The only son of the family has been killed and yet the police still remain insensitive. The PPRO, who has been granting press interviews, never even deemed it fit to condole with the family.

“The police are saying that my brother was attacked by armed robbers but his phones were not stolen, he had money in his wallet which was untouched and yet they call it a robbery.

“It baffles me that the police, were on the scene but they did not even attempt to take him to hospital or give any kind of care, they were all watching.”

Nkechi said denial by the police that Omene did not write any statement at the police station was an indication that their investigation would be shoddy.

Meanwhile, condolence register had been opened in honour of the slain man.

 The deceased’s widow, Joan, sat mute on a chair when our correspondent visited Ozuah’s residence.

As at the time our correspondent left the home, nearly 80 condolence messages had been written in his honour.

Mrs. Ije Ekobay wrote, “Ugo, I just saw your smiling face two days ago. The devil is a liar! Death has neither say over you nor victory over you. May your sweet soul rest in perfect peace.”

Another friend, Tosin Adesina, wrote, “Brother, it was wonderful knowing you. You were a gentleman, intelligent, confident, generous, patient and very driven. I celebrate your life with a lot of pain in my heart.”

Perhaps, one of the most emotion-laden comments was written by Ugochukwu’s niece, Nina Ndu-Nwogu.

It reads, “Dear uncle Ugo, you were there even when I was in the womb and now you’re gone. I was the flower girl at your wedding and those memories I will cherish forever. When I heard of your departure, I believed you’re in a deep sleep and God needed the help of more angels so he called on you. You will always be in my heart. I will always love you.”

Ukomadu Gabriel wrote, “Oh not again. Another casualty of Nigeria Police Force. You were a quiet and lovely fellow. One would not have imagined this sort of incident. God knows it all, rest in peace.”

Our correspondent learnt that various human rights groups, including the Office of the Public Defender of the Ministry of Justice, had started working on the matter to ensure that police did not cover up.

Nkechi, who decried the rising cases of extra-judicial killings, said a foundation would be set up in honour of Ozuah.

She said, “I want a foundation set up in honour of my brother to help families of victims of police killing.

“Ugo used to be called, mummy’s handbag. Even when my dad was alive, he was too close to my mum. Even though he was my younger brother, he was our father.”

IG orders FCID to investigate murder

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has constituted a team from the Federal Criminal Investigation Department to immediately take-over the investigation of the murder from the Lagos State Police Command, with the mandate to identify and fish out the killer(s).

A statement by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba in Abuja on Thursday, explained that the IG’s decision was informed by the need to maintain “neutrality, professionalism, speedy and holistic dispensation of justice.”

 While commiserating with the family, friends and relations of the deceased, the police re-assured the nation that they would ensure that the perpetrators of the crime were unmasked and brought to book.

The statement quoted Abubakar as appealing to members of the public, especially those who might have witnessed the crime, to come forward with useful information.

He said such information could be sent to policemonitor@npf.gov.ng.

The IG promised that the team would release dedicated phone lines for purposes of interaction with members of the public, as soon as they arrived in Lagos.

Abubakar appealed for calm, patience, understanding and support, while efforts are being intensified to unravel the crime.

“The IG also used this medium to dispel rumours making rounds, especially on the social media that he had earlier made a definite statement concerning the incident,” the statement added.