By NewsBits
A Human Right Organization based in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital, Ebonyi Justice, Human Right Protection and Defense Organization, JHRPD has expressed concern over the delay in the conclusion of the trial of the suspects arrested in connection with the kidnap and murder of a woman leader in Ishiagu Community in Ivo Local Government Area of the State, Mrs. Catherine Okorie.
Briefing Journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital, Director of the organization, Mr. Silas Akubuiro described as unfortunate and regrettable that years after, some suspects were arrested are now walking freely in the streets of the State.
The group urged the judiciary not to allow political influence to scuttle the course of justice and allow perpetrators of injustice and crime go unpunished adding that when justice are served to perpetrators of criminal activities, others will learn to avoid crime.
“We are aware that a current Chairman in the state was arrested by the police in connection with the crime and was charged to court. He was reminded at the Abakaliki correctional center and was later granted bail on health grounds.
“Regrettably, immediately he was granted bail, he contested for the Chairmanship position of the local government and emerged successful. What an irony, a man charged for kidnapping and murder was granted bail and we was made a council Chairman.
“In as much we are not disturbed by the political position he is currently holding; our concern is that he is not covered by immunity, and we urge the court to continue with the trial and ensure that those found guilty are made to face the full wrath of the law no matter how highly placed.
“It is our determination to ensure justice to all who deserve it and the protection and defense of human right is the watchword of this organization. We are going to immediately forward a petition to the Chief Judge of the State and copy other relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is concluded and not swept under the carpet.
“Gentlemen, it is disheartening that the previous administration of the state being mindful that the suspect was facing charges of kidnapping, armed Robbery and murder masterminded his release from prison and hurriedly made him Council Chairman to scuttle the continuation of the trail.
“I want to assure that this organization will follow up the matter and ensure that anyone found guilty is made to face the full wrath of the law. No one is above prosecution. That one is a council Chairman and is facing trail, the matter mustn’t be stalled because of his political position.”
Also, a woman leader from the community who spoke on grounds of anonymity lamented that since the trail was stalled, the rate of kidnapping in the community has increased drastically.
“We were made to believe that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man but unfortunately, in the case of the kidnap and murder of Mrs. Okorie, the judiciary has decided to look the other side while the arrested suspects move freely.”
