The people of the Edda community in Afikpo South Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi state have alleged a grand plot by the Ebonyi state government to free suspects allegedly implicated in the killing that took place On Dec 26, 2022, in Ekoli-Edda community.
The community through the Edda Identity in a statement in Abakaliki on Wednesday signed by Chief Julius Oji, Convener of the Edda Identity called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP); Amnesty International, National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to intervene and ensure justice for the slain victims.
“There is a grand plot and arrangement by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ebonyi State, Mr Cletus Ofoke, acting on the orders of the Ebonyi State Government, to move the case file of these suspects and killers, from the police and court authorities in the state, in a bid to release the suspects, without trial.
“We, the people of Edda reject this move and we call on the Inspector-General of Police; Amnesty International; the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Interior to intervene.
“We, the people of Edda frown at the unpopular and unacceptable move by the Ebonyi State Government, to release these suspects from police custody without trial and proper arraignment in a competent court of law.
“Their idea is to release these suspects before the elections, for them to continue their killing spree and we, the people of Edda reject this move, because it’s against our peace and collective existence, as a people.
“And we, therefore, demand the transfer of this matter and the case of these suspects to Forces Headquarters/Abuja, for proper trial and adjudication,” the statement read.
When contacted the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ofoke, described the allegation as a mere rumour, noting that all those involved in the heinous act would face the law.
He said, “Ignore that allegation. Once we get the file, we will vet it and at the appropriate time, any person found wanting in respect of the crime committed in Edda will go in for it. I cannot do that. It’s a mere allegation. Whosoever that committed the offence will face the consequences.”
