NUJ Seeks Justice Over Alleged Killing Of Ex-Secretary’s Son In Anambra
By Uche Kalu
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to expedite action in ensuring justice over the alleged killing of Master Noel Chinedu Okechukwu, the only son of a former Secretary of the council, Comrade Rex Peters Okechukwu.
In a communiqué issued after reviewing a petition submitted by the bereaved father, the council expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the death of the 27-year-old student of Theatre Arts at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. The deceased was reportedly shot dead on August 17, 2024 by private security guards at the estate of Senator Stella Oduah, located in Akiri-Ozizor in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
According to the communiqué, which was jointly signed by the Chairman of the council, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD and the Secretary, Okechukwu Onuegbu PhD, the deceased was allegedly shot while attempting to buy fresh fish from a nearby local pond close to the estate.
The council noted that the family of the deceased had submitted several petitions to relevant authorities, including the Anambra State Police Command, Nigeria Police Force Zone 13 Headquarters, the office of the Inspector-General of Police, and the Anambra State Government, but lamented that the appeals for justice had yet to receive adequate attention.
Consequently, the NUJ urged the police to urgently withdraw the case file from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for reassignment to enable the conduct of an autopsy and completion of necessary procedures for the arraignment of suspects before a court of competent jurisdiction.
The council also condemned the alleged denial of the family’s access to the corpse of their late son, calling on the police to disclose the whereabouts of the body and grant the family access to it. It noted that such a step would help calm the bereaved family and assure them that the matter was being handled with seriousness, especially as the family had indicated willingness to bear the cost of the autopsy.
Furthermore, the NUJ appealed to the police to arrest the prime suspect and other individuals believed to have been involved in the incident for thorough investigation and questioning in order to avoid possible lapses in the process.
The council also requested that it be kept informed whenever the trial of the suspects begins so that the public could be adequately updated on developments through responsible journalism.
The NUJ expressed hope that swift and decisive action by relevant authorities would ensure that justice, though delayed, is eventually served and enable the family to finally lay their slain son to rest.
