Ohanaeze demands open trial for Enugu killer-police officer

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Ohanaeze Youth Council, the youth wing of the apex-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged the Nigerian police to conduct public trial for the inspector who shot five persons dead at Golf Estate, GRA Enugu on Saturday.

OYC President-General, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, and the Secretary-General, Comrade Obinna Achionye in a statement said the open trial will help to establish the motive for the shooting.

The police command in Enugu has also refused to reveal the identity of the killer-police officer but OYC asked the police hierarchy not to shroud the trial of the erring officer in secrecy.

“While we thank Enugu youths for remaining calm in the face of this mindless provocation, their calmness should not be taken for granted,” the group said.

“It is so sad that this is coming at a time we are making efforts to mend the sour relationship between security agencies and members of the public, especially the youths.

“The only way to assuage the feelings of the victims’ family members is for the police to conduct open prosecution of the suspect. This is not a time to hide anything. We want to see that justice is done and appropriately, too.”

The group also commiserated with the families and the Enugu State Government over the colossal loss of lives, stressing “we are all distressed and heartbroken over this avoidable tragedy. We stand with the families in this moment of grief.

“We also thank Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his swift response and plead with him to assist the families of the deceased victims, especially those of them who were bread winners,” he added.

The youth group announced that it has set up an independent enquiry to find out what led to the incident.

It said the panel is headed by the Secretary-General, Achionye.