Following the release from police custody, Nollywood director, Mr Nonso Ekene, who was allegedly involved in the death of a 36-year-old woman, Obiageli Onekanse, some angry youths from Ukwu-Nzu community in the Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday, September 24, took to the street to protest; demanding justice for Obiageli.
The protesters, who were dressed in black, carried candles and placards with different inscriptions, including, ‘Nigeria police do your job’, Justice for Oby’, ‘Why did you release Nonso’, ‘The culprits must not go unpunished’, ‘We need justice’.
The men and women marched to the police headquarters, the state House of Assembly and the Government House to register their grievances.
An uncle of the deceased, Mr Clifford Osahenye, said the decision of the Delta State Police Command to release the suspect had raised fear of possible denial of justice.
He said, “Our sister was gruesomely murdered by the gateman and the co-tenant, Mr Nonso. They buried her in a shallow grave in Asaba.
“The police invited us some days ago that the state government did not bring money to finance the investigation.
“The police said since the government was not forthcoming with money, the family should provide money to make the investigation faster.
“While we were trying to raise money for the case, we heard that the alleged murderer, Mr Nonso, had been set free from the police net and this does not go down with the us and the community at large.
“We are here to plead with the police and the state government. It is a peaceful procession because you can see all of us with our candles praying that God should touch the heart of the people that are handling the case to do the right thing.”
Addressing the protesters, an officer from the State Intelligence Bureau of the command, who refused to reveal his identity, said, “I want you to follow it in a logical way; a protest cannot get you your desired result.
“It is a case of murder; it is not something you can jump into conclusion on. I advise that you go home and stop protesting.”
Corroborating the SIB officer, a Chief Superintendent of Police, Gbenga Ojo, said, “You are not supposed to protest; there is a letter we wrote to your lawyer that you should not protest.”
However, the Secretary to the State Government, Chiedu Ebie, said the state was not aware of the release of the deceased’s co-tenant.
He assured the protesters that actions would be taken to ensure justice was served.
