In the petition, Hon. Sam raised serious concerns about the escalating atrocities, criminal activities, and other heinous acts leading to the murders of several members of the Amechi and Obeagu Awkunanaw communities. He expressed distress over the apparent impunity with which the perpetrators operate, suggesting that some of them may be receiving protection or preferential treatment from law enforcement agencies, thus hampering the course of justice.
The genesis of the investigation can be traced back to the assassination of Sunday Ngene from the Obeagu Awkunanaw community in December 2022. Subsequently, the traditional ruler of the Obeagu Awkunanaw community, HRH Igwe Mike Nnukwu, (JP), took the initiative to file a petition with the Inspector General of Police, urging for a thorough investigation and prosecution of the individuals suspected to be involved in the murder.
Upon approval of the petition, the principal suspect was apprehended by the Zone 13 Zonal CID Ukpo. During the interrogation process, vital information was revealed, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Sunday Ngene's assassination and uncovering shocking details about several previous cases of assassination and criminal activities in and around the communities dating back to 2015. The information suggested that these heinous acts were masterminded by several individuals acting on behalf of certain sponsors.
Hon. Sam's petition alleged that despite the partial disclosure of the identities of some of the individuals involved, many of the suspects remain at large, evading arrest. It also pointed to the assassination of Inspector Celestine Oriodovwe of Force CID Annex Enugu, who was investigating various allegations against the same group of suspects until he was kidnapped, killed, and his vehicle set ablaze in Amechi Uwani community. The petition strongly implicated the same suspects in this incident and demanded that they be held accountable for their actions.
In light of the grave situation, Hon. Sam has urged the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, to intervene and collaborate with all relevant parties, including the prime suspect in the murder cases and the investigating police officers from Zone 13 Zonal Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force. The objective is to uncover the underlying conspiracy and expedite the conclusion of investigations into all the murder cases listed, including the assassinations of on-duty security personnel within Enugu metropolis.
The Enugu communities firmly believe that the Speaker's constitutionally guaranteed oversight functions hold the potential to bring about a resolution and hold the police accountable for their actions or inactions. They have expressed their hope that the Speaker will promptly come to their aid in the interest of justice.
The House of Representatives has assured the public that it will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, ensuring that all parties involved are held accountable for their actions, irrespective of their position or influence. As the investigation unfolds, Nigerians will keenly await the outcome, hoping that justice will prevail for the victims and their grieving families.
