Posted by The Opu-Nembe community’s leaders in Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria, have pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a letter to end the violence that has gripped the region.
Mr. Ayebaemi Kieriseiye, Naomi Jonah, Chief E.T. Ikoli, Chief Johnbull Efere, Afuroyanate Beredugo, and Alanabo Digigha were among the prominent members of the community who put their names to the letter.
A criminal case was initiated in relation to the terrible incident that occurred on February 15, which resulted in the deaths of innocent community members. This information was disclosed to reporters on Wednesday through a letter that the Inspector General of Police had made public.
In addition, the open letter to the president mentioned that the assailants were affiliated with one Kojo Sam, a famous pipeline surveillance contractor.
Reportedly, the unarmed Baite Agala, Queen Kieriseiye, and Inikio Walter were killed in the raid.
According to reports, the assailants also made other locals homeless and damaged property valued in the millions of naira.
The letter claims that the gunmen have taken up residence in the town, causing widespread panic and anxiety.
Elders in the area say that many people who are against the gunmen’s presence have either left the area or are constantly afraid for their safety.
A letter was written to the President with the following contents: “Your Excellency, we have just been reliably informed by DCP Simon Lough (SAN), who is the Lead Prosecuting Counsel in the case, that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF)has decided not to prosecute the matter further (nolle prosequi).”Because of this, the witnesses were not present when the court needed their testimony.
According to our current legislation, the AGF has the right to formally request the dismissal of a case brought by any individual or entity in the nation, but he can only do so in cases where there is a “public interest, the interest of justice, and the need to prevent abuse of legal process” at play. We are requesting that Your Excellency join us in believing that this specific murder case is of the highest public importance and should not be closed without ensuring justice is served.
We hold the belief that the purported conduct of the AGF undermines not only the values of fairness and impartiality, but also the rule of law in all circumstances, and the principles of justice. If the supposed action is carried out as planned, the terrified and powerless Opu-Nembe people will even more have their faith in our justice system betrayed.
In addition, the letter pleaded with the president to confront the attorney general and act swiftly to correct any secret order.
They pleaded for immediate action to restore faith in the court system and confirm its resolve to defend universal principles of fairness and equality.