Headlinenews.news reports that The Abia State House of Assembly has requested the presence of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Kene Onwuemelie, to elucidate the details surrounding the death of a businessman by a police officer. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, announced via his verified X handle on Wednesday that the House has also decided to summon leaders of other security agencies in the state regarding the matter.
The Incident
The deceased businessman, Emmanuel Okocha, reportedly passed away on Friday, April 19, in the state after being shot by a police officer for allegedly refusing to offer a bribe to a team of police operatives. Okocha, a native of Abiriba in the Ohafia Local Government Area of the South-eastern state, encountered the police operatives from the Rapid Response Squad of the state, who purportedly demanded a bribe despite Okocha possessing all necessary vehicle documents and a driver’s license.
Earlier, police authorities in Abia State had arrested one of the involved police officers, identified as Obagi Njok, a police corporal attached to the Abayi Police Division in the state, on Saturday, April 20.
Furthermore, the state governor, Alex Otti, directed the police commissioner to ensure the prosecution of the police officers implicated in the businessman’s killing.
The Summoning
In his post on X, Mr. Emeruwa disclosed that Ucheonye Akachukwu (Aba Central – Labour Party) brought the incident to the House’s attention during Tuesday’s plenary session.
“The House has decided to summon the commissioner of police and other heads of security agencies in the State for an interaction on Tuesday, April 30, 2024,” stated Mr. Emeruwa.
Additionally, the Speaker noted that the House also resolved to urge the Abia State Government to offer “adequate compensation” to the deceased businessman’s family. Furthermore, the House called on the state government to establish a panel of inquiry to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure the prosecution of the perpetrators.
