*NBA Omoku Branch Condemns Arson On Suspect’s Properties

There was palpable tension in Omoku Town, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Monday evening as a lawyer allegedly shot a youth leader, Emmanuel Nkemjika, dead during a masquerade display in the area.

It was gathered that the lawyer, identified as Akpudi Ikechukwu, had picked a gun from his car and opened fire after a masquerade allegedly flogged his vehicle with a cane.

It was alleged that bullets hit eight persons, but that one person, Nkemjika, who is the immediate past Treasurer of the Omoku Youth Federation, died on the spot, while others with varying degrees of injury have been hospitalized.

A source said the deceased was an innocent bystander and not part of the masquerade, but that a stray bullet hit him.

The source said the situation later escalated as angry youths allegedly set fire to the lawyer’s family house near Santa Maria and his personal house in Obrikom.

However, the Rivers State Police Command said it was aware of the development, adding that some suspects linked to the incident have been arrested.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said police have commenced investigation into the development.

Iringe-Koko noted that the incident resulted in one death and multiple injuries, adding that nine members of the masquerade group sustained gunshot wounds in an altercation that ensued.

She said: “At 0700hrs, a report was received at the Omoku Police Division through credible sources stating that about 0130hrs, while some youths were masquerading along Sambo Street, a confrontation occurred involving one Akpudi Ikechukwu and four personnel of the Nigeria Forest Guards Security Service, NFSS. During the incident, nine members of the masquerade group sustained gunshot injuries.

“One of the victims, identified as Obulo, was confirmed dead at the hospital, Omoku, while eight others are currently receiving medical treatment at the same facility.

“Following the incident, Akpudi Ikechukwu and two other suspects were promptly arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for detailed investigation. Preliminary investigations are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and the level of culpability of all parties involved.”

Iringe-Koko noted that a joint security team has been deployed in the area to avoid further breakdown of law and order.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Omoku Branch, has issued a public statement addressing the incident and condemning the acts of arson and mob action against the lawyer’s properties.

The Association, in a statement signed by its Vice Chairman/Chairman, Human Rights Committee, Minicent Wekhe-Orike, Esq., stated that it has taken note of the disturbing reports and the heightened tension in Omoku arising from the allegation of murder involving its member, Mr. Claudius Akpudi.

The Association stated clearly that the allegation remains under investigation by the appropriate security agencies, and no conclusion has been reached at this time. Accordingly, the NBA Omoku Branch urged all concerned persons and members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding.

“The Branch strongly condemns the reported acts of arson, destruction of property, and mob actions allegedly carried out against the properties of the said member, including his law firm. Such acts are unlawful, constitute grave breaches of the rule of law, and are capable of further escalating tension and causing a breakdown of law and order within the community,” the statement read.

The Association called on the security agencies to take all necessary steps to forestall any further breakdown of law and order and to ensure the protection of lives and property.

The NBA assured the public that the security agencies are fully engaged and are taking appropriate measures to maintain peace and security, while investigations continue to ascertain the true facts surrounding the allegation and its circumstances.

The Nigerian Bar Association, Omoku Branch (The Legacy Bar), reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, justice, and due process, and assured the public that it will duly communicate the outcome of the investigation at the appropriate time, as may be permissible and necessary.

The Branch further called on all residents and members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, rumours, or misinformation concerning the alleged incident, and to desist from all forms of self-help. Citizens are urged to go about their lawful activities peacefully, while allowing the law to take its full and proper course.

“As an Association committed to the promotion of justice, human rights, and the rule of law, the NBA Omoku Branch will continue to closely monitor developments and engage relevant authorities to ensure that justice is done to all concerned,” the statement added.

“We therefore appeal to all stakeholders to exercise restraint and uphold peace, as justice is best served through due process of law and not through mob action.”

The incident has raised concerns about security during cultural celebrations and the dangers of mob justice, with both the police and the NBA calling for calm and urging residents to allow the law to take its course.

As of the time of this report, the lawyer and two other suspects remain in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department, while preliminary investigations continue.

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