Two years after the alleged gruesome murder of Arinze Omeh from Umuopu Enugu Ezike,Igbo-Eze North Local government area of Enugu state, Enugu youths group has continued to seek for justice for the young entrepreneur.
The group under the aegis of Concerned Igbo-Eze North Youths in Press release on August 21, 2022 which was made available to Within Nigeria, said they are not comfortable with the handling of the alleged killing of Master Omeh.
Within Nigeria gathered that Master Arinze Omeh was allegedly killed in Onitsha by his assailants on June 11, 2020.
In a communique earlier released few months after the alleged murder, the group has also frowned at the pace with which the matter was being adjourned.
In the said communique, the group stated that “It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.
“The dastardly act of murder committed against our brother, Master Arinze Omeh from Umuopu Enugu Ezike, on 11th June, 2020 by remorseless gang of murderers along General Hospital road Onitsha, Anambra state has left our hearts torn apart.
“It was a gruesome murder that has ethnic cleansing undertone. The culprit had murdered Arinze and descended on his elder brother who by the grace of God escaped with wounds.
“The murderers were apprehended and they’re helping the police with requisite preliminary investigations. What we have yet to ascertain is if they were sent, by the sound of trumpets (i.e by a legitimate force) to declare war against Igbo Eze North or Nsukka people in general. If not how could such brutality be metted out in a busy road in Onitsha and it took the outcry of the relatives for police to take it serious.
“As you read this, the second assailant is out of police custody on bail!
“We have expressed our deep pains in a more practical way when we spearheaded the litigation processes, with its financial demands in the process of seeking redress. We are here therefore not to cry any more, but to notify our teeming supporters and compatriots of the current status in the case.
“Currently, the case is already at Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Awka about to be charged to court. We sent in our legal teams to join the immediate family lawyers who were prosecuting the murder.
“We would like to state as follows:
People of Igbo Eze North were known for our good characters, law-abiding nature, peaceful coexistence with native civilisations and love for strangers. We will therefore not tolerate any of our citizens dealt with in any harsh manner anywhere around the world. And we prepared to use this unfortunate case of our beloved brother Arinze to make this position clearer. We will leave no stone unturned till justice is adequately served.
The government of Anambra State should come out clean in this case. The state commissioner of police should explain why the second assailant was let lose from the cell. Governor Willie Obiano should ensure that justice is served to the letter as a way of telling us that the lives of Nsukka people in Anambra state matter. They can’t be condemning George Floyd’s murder in USA, while back home we are experiencing something worse in their hands. They need to assure us that our people’s lives are safe, secure and are worth equal in dignity with the lives of every other Anambrarian. Any sign of silence or compromise from the government of Anambra State or the Police force would be seen as a move to support what Voltaire said in the opening phrase of this notice.
Enugu state Ministry of Justice should as a matter of urgency should start asking questions to Anambra state government. Thousands of Nsukka people live and transact business in many parts of Anambra state. We have to be sure our lives are safe and its dignity inalienable, to avoid living in fear and traumatic apprehension. Our amiable Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, we believe will not let this case be swept under the carpet. The families of the culprits were said to be influential and well-connected. And that’s why things had been shoddy in this preliminary stage of the justice dispensation.
We are watching!
Arising yesterday, from our meeting with the Umuopu general assembly in diaspora, held in Onitsha, we have agreed to send all Enugu Ezike organizations, political and opinion leaders, wherever they are around the world, messages notifying and urging them to send in their legal teams and contributions for the case as soon as possible.
We have listened and are still open to the counsels of our elders. Igwe Cyril O. Ayogu, the erudite traditional ruler of Umuopu Ada odumogu kingdom has addressed us. We stand by his advice that we will continue to prosecute the case until the culprits are brought to book.
The chairman of Igbo Eze North LGA, Hon. Prince E. Itodo has pledged his support. He has expressed his anger against the situation and is ready to see the case to its logical end. We are grateful and commend him for that.
Finally, we wish to state that from antiquity, there has never been anyone who manhandled an Igbo Eze North indigene and go scot-free. There is always undeniable repercussions. We will invoke all diplomatic, legal and even ancestral possibilities to ensure the perpetrators bore the full weight of the law, to serve as a deterrent for the future.
While we pray for the repose of his soul, we urge all to join us in this fight, as injury to one is injury to all. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Our reporter gathered that though the deceased has been buried since October 4, 2020, the group said they are not happy with the status quo.
“Though the suspects are facing trial at Anambra state high court, we want to state that we are not happy with the delay in dispensation justice.
“We are not comfortable with the frivolous adjournment of the case since two years now.
“For this reason, we suspect foul play in the whole system and call on the state government to see that justice is done in this case,” the release stated.
