Abia State Government has expressed sadness over the killing of an Aba-based businessman, identified as Mr Emmanuel Okocha, by a trigger-happy police officer in Aba, the commercial hub of the state.
Okocha, who hails from Abiriba, in Ohafia Local Government Area of the state, was shot by Police Corporal Obagi Njok, for allegedly refusing to bribe him at a checkpoint last week.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, on Wednesday stated that the state received the news of the ugly incident that occurred last with great dismay.
He said Governor Alex Otti, is personally saddened by the unfortunate incident and has directed the Abia State Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Kene Onwuemelie, to ensure that the police officers involved in this unfortunate incident are duly investigated and anyone found culpable is made to face the full wrath of the law.
The statement read in part, “Preliminary information from the Abia State Police Command shows that one of the police officers involved is already in custody, and would be made to go through the disciplinary process of the Police Force. If he is culpable, the officer would be sanctioned appropriately and charged in court.
While commiserating with the immediate family of the victim and the entire people of Abiriba and the Aba community at large, the government commends the communities for heeding to the appeal not to go on protest or take laws into their hands in display of anger over the death of Mr. Emmanuel Okocha.
“The state government wishes to assure the family and the Abiriba and Aba communities that there will be no cover-up in this matter.
The state government would like to reassure the citizens and residents of its commitment to protecting their lives and property at all times and enjoins everyone to go about their lawful businesses without fear or hindrance.”
