The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to urgently expedite investigations into the alleged killing of a 27-year-old student, Noel Chinedu Okechukwu, reportedly shot by private security guards at the estate of Stella Oduah in Akiri-Ozizor, Ogbaru Local Government Area.
The demand formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of the Council’s monthly congress and signed by its Chairman, Emeka Odogwu, and Secretary, Okechukwu Onuegbu.
The communiqué followed a petition submitted to the union by a former secretary of the NUJ and father of the son, Chief Rex Okechukwu.
According to the family, the deceased, a student of Theatre Arts at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, was killed on August 17, 2024, while attempting to buy fresh fish from a nearby local pond close to the estate.
The NUJ said records available to it indicate that the bereaved family has since submitted several petitions to authorities including the Anambra State Police Command, Police Zone 13 Ukpo, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, and the Anambra State Government.
However, the union lamented that the appeals for justice have yet to receive the desired attention.
Consequently, the Council urged the police authorities to treat the matter with urgency to ensure justice for the family of the deceased.
The union specifically appealed to the police to consider the family’s request to withdraw the case file from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for reassignment.
Conduct of autopsy
According to the communiqué, such a step would allow for the conduct of an autopsy and completion of all necessary procedures required for the arraignment of the suspects before a court of competent jurisdiction.
The NUJ also condemned the alleged denial of the family’s access to the remains of their son, describing the situation as troubling.
It called on the police to immediately inform the family of the whereabouts of the body and grant them access to it.
The communique noted that the move would help calm tensions and assure the family that the case is being handled with the seriousness it deserves.
The Council further urged security authorities to arrest the prime suspect and any other individuals believed to have played roles in the incident to aid proper investigation.
The NUJ said keeping the public informed about the case would strengthen transparency and accountability, urging authorities to notify the Council once the trial begins.
According to the union, swift and decisive action by relevant authorities would ensure that justice, though delayed, is ultimately served and enable the bereaved family to finally lay their son to rest.
