A coalition of civil society organizations in Rivers State has said that it will get justice for Chima Ikwunado, who allegedly died in detention, his newborn baby and four others tagged – Ikoku 4 – in collaboration with others.
In audio message, Chairman of Rivers Civil Society Organizations, Comrade Enefaa Georgewill, said that they were poised to get justice in the matter.
He also said that the group distanced itself from purported out-of-court settlement of the case.
Comrade Georgewill said:Rivers Civil Society Organizations distance itself from the purported out-of-court settlement of the gruesome murder of Chima Ikwunado and severe torture of four other Ikoku mechanics. RIVCSO also warn conflict merchants to stay clear of this matter as we are poised in collaboration with others to get justice for Chima, his newborn baby and the Ikoku4 and advise the officers not to fall prey to scammers should anyone approaches them.”
He said that the coalition of civil society groups was giving Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Joseph Mukan, two weeks within which to prosecute leader of E-Crack Squad, Benson Adetuyi and all others involved in the alleged torture and death of Ikwunado and four others.
The chairman of the coalition of civil society groups said: “As a responsible civil society coalition in the state, we decided to stay action and give the benefit of the doubt to the new Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Mukan, when he promised us he’s going to get to the root of the matter during our visit and the CP further confirmed last two weeks on phone that the officers are facing police orderly room trial. RIVCSO however note with regret this matter is taking longer than necessary and therefore call on the commissioner of police to within two weeks prosecute the former Commander of E-Crack, Benson Adetuyi for deceiving the whole world that Chima died of high blood sugar and for his gross violation of Section 7 of the Anti-torture Act”, adding that the police boss should also prosecute the officer who charged the Ikoku mechanics to court and other officers who allegedly tortured the Ikoku mechanics in their facility.
Ikwunado and four other mechanics were arrested by police in December last year and taken to Mile 1 police station where they were allegedly tortured. In the process, Ikwunado one of the mechanics died.
Widespread criticism greeted the alleged police brutality on social media and the family had taken the case to court.
Counsel for the family, Barrister (Mrs) Princess Chinyere Lawrence, had told newsmen that the family was demanding N10 billion as compensation for death of the late mechanic.
However, the case was struck out when prosecution asked for permission to withdraw the suit.
According to the presiding judge, the case had not been dismissed.
