CLO petitions IGP over Police Bias in Murder Investigation of Rivers monarch and youth leader, demanding justice and fresh, transparent investigation in Rivers State.
The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has raised serious concerns over what it described as Police Bias in Murder Investigation into the killing of Chief Elysian John, the traditional ruler of Oshiugbokor community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, and the community’s youth leader, Saviour Ajikwara.
The group alleged that the handling of the case by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has been compromised, leading to injustice and public distrust.
According to the CLO, both community leaders were brutally murdered on September 8, 2024, in Okporowo community, also in Ahoada East, during a reconciliation meeting convened by a respected community member, Hon. Emeka Gordon.
Their deaths, the group said, have left the Oshiugbokor community in grief and anger as justice continues to elude them more than a year later.
In a detailed petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, in Port Harcourt, the Civil Liberties Organisation condemned the conduct of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The petition alleged that the IRT disregarded the recommendation of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and unlawfully released suspects who were believed to have been involved in the heinous crime.
The petition, jointly signed by CLO’s South-South Zonal Chairman, Chinedu Karl Uchegbu, and Zonal Director, Stephen Obodoekwe, described the police investigation as “deliberately bungled and compromised.”
It further accused the investigating team of showing Police Bias in Murder Investigation by focusing on arresting innocent individuals while protecting those suspected to be truly involved in the killings.
CLO expressed dismay that Hon. Emeka Gordon, the convener of the reconciliation meeting and a respected member of the community, was arrested even though there was no evidence linking him to the crime.
The group argued that this was a clear sign of Police Bias in Murder Investigation, reflecting a troubling pattern of manipulation and intimidation.
The organisation stated in the petition: “This petition is an intervention on behalf of the people of Oshiugbokor community, Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State, who have waited endlessly for justice following the brutal killing of their paramount ruler, Chief Elysian John, and their youth leader, Saviour Ajikwara.
“We are constrained to bring to your notice the deliberate compromise and unprofessional conduct exhibited by some officers of the IRT under the supervision of DCP Mohammed Sanusi.”
The petition further revealed that the matter was initially being handled at the state level before it was transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja following public outrage.
However, according to CLO, the IRT team led by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ibrahim displayed unprofessional behavior, leading to the loss of critical evidence.
CLO noted that the victims were allegedly murdered by a notorious cultist known locally as “General,” who has long terrorized the Ahoada area.
Despite community protests and multiple appeals by human rights advocates, the suspects were allegedly released without due legal process.
The release of the suspects provoked public outrage, compelling the authorities to re-arrest them and transfer the case to Abuja.
Yet, the Civil Liberties Organisation fears that the case may again be mishandled due to continuing Police Bias in Murder Investigation.
The Oshiugbokor community, still mourning the loss of their traditional ruler and youth leader, has expressed deep frustration over what they describe as a failure of justice.
Many residents believe that those responsible for the killings are being shielded by powerful individuals within the security system.
The CLO, echoing this sentiment, urged the Inspector-General of Police to personally intervene and order a fresh, transparent, and independent investigation.
The organisation stressed that the Police Bias in Murder Investigation has eroded public confidence and deepened the community’s pain.
“We implore your good offices to order a new, impartial investigation to ensure that the killers of Chief Elysian John and Saviour Ajikwara are apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” CLO’s petition stated.
The Civil Liberties Organisation emphasized that continued bias and lack of transparency in the handling of murder cases like this one risk destroying public faith in law enforcement.
The organisation noted that justice delayed, especially in high-profile community cases, often leads to further breakdown of peace and order.
According to CLO, the inability of the police to deliver justice in the murder of the Rivers monarch and youth leader sends a dangerous signal that crime can be committed with impunity.
This, the group warned, undermines the credibility of the Nigeria Police Force and poses a serious threat to the rule of law.
In its closing appeal, the human rights body called on IGP Kayode Egbetokun to demonstrate leadership by ensuring accountability within the police ranks.
It also demanded disciplinary action against officers found guilty of obstructing justice or exhibiting unprofessional conduct in the investigation.
The group said justice for the victims would not only restore peace to Oshiugbokor but also serve as a test case for Nigeria’s commitment to fairness and accountability in law enforcement.
“The people of Rivers State, particularly those of Oshiugbokor community, deserve justice and closure.
“The time has come to end the pattern of cover-ups and corruption that has marred many investigations. Only a transparent process can restore public confidence,” the CLO asserted.
The petition by the Civil Liberties Organisation underscores growing concerns about the credibility of criminal investigations in Nigeria.
The allegation of Police Bias in Murder Investigation in this case reflects a broader issue within the policing system—one that demands urgent reform and accountability.
If justice is to be served, the Nigeria Police Force must act with integrity and professionalism, ensuring that those who commit crimes—no matter how powerful—are brought to book.
The people of Oshiugbokor, and indeed all Nigerians, are watching closely, hoping that justice will finally prevail.
