Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of Mr. Onyeka Ibe by a police officer during a stop-and-search operation in Asaba, the state capital. The governor made the call in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, while condemning the killing of the young man over an alleged N400 bribe.
Governor Okowa advised the citizens of Delta State to remain calm and law-abiding, urging them not to take the law into their hands but allow the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sad incident. The police officer responsible for the shooting, Inspector Ebri Ubi, has been arrested and is currently being detained at the command headquarters in Asaba.
In a related development, the Delta State Police Command has confirmed the killing of Mr. Onyeka Ibe, and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Muhammed Ali, ordered the immediate arrest and detention of the trigger-happy police officer and directed his transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba, where he will be thoroughly investigated.
The statement revealed that the commissioner of police assured the citizens of Delta State that the Force, being a disciplined organization, will not condone such cruel action by any member. He promised that the offending officer would be subjected to internal disciplinary measures, including criminal prosecution.
Meanwhile, Governor Okowa has called on the police to fish out and bring to justice other corrupt and trigger-happy officers who are notorious for extorting money from motorists and other citizens in the state. He urged the police authorities to ensure that their officers are properly trained and equipped with modern policing skills and techniques to discharge their duties in line with the best practices of modern law enforcement.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage among the citizens of Delta State, who are calling for justice and an end to police brutality and extortion. The governor has assured the people of Delta State that his administration is committed to promoting peace, security, and the rule of law, and will not tolerate any form of human rights abuses or extrajudicial killings by the police or any other security agencies in the state
