Members of the Ebonyi Prestigious Club, a social club headquartered in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state have taken a swipe at the Abakaliki chapter of the Nigerian Correctional Centre formerly known as the Nigerian Prisons Service over the assault on its caretaker secretary, Barr Sampson Ekigbo in Abakaliki for not giving way for the officers of the centre at a filling station in Abakaliki where the both parties came to buy fuel. What seemed to be mild altercation became tempestuous when the officers started beating the lawyer and threatening to kill him if he insisted on joining issues with them.
The victim who narrated the harrowing experience involving him and the armed wing of the Nigerian Correctional Centre asserted that the armed officers stormed the premises where he was long before their arrival and decided to assault him at no cause for such. He accused the officers of threatening his life and safety of his family members in the state. He swore to pursue the case to a logical conclusion and ensure they didn’t get away with the attacks on him and threat to kill him.
Reacting to the incident, Ebonyi Prestigious Club through its vice president, Arc. Clinton Izekwe has petitioned the officers to relevant federal government agencies for immediate action to be taken against the officers for professional misconduct, threat to life and assault on the club’s scribe who was not by any standard didn’t obstruct the way of the officers, nor insulted them to warrant their desperately unprofessional conduct on the victim, pledging to join forces with the victim to ensure that justice was done on the matter for deterrence. The club frowned at the way armed security officials harass unarmed and harmless members of the society going about their legitimate businesses. The statement of the club on the case which has since gone viral reads:
“
Ebonyi Prestigious Club (EPC)
[Address]
[City, State]
[Date]
The Deputy Controller
Medium Correctional Centre,
Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Dear Sir,
PETITION AGAINST THE ASSAULT, BATTERY, THREAT TO LIFE, AND ATTEMPTED MURDER OF BARR. SAMPSON EKIGBO BY OFFICERS ATTACHED TO YOUR COMMAND – MR. IFEANYI NWOVU, MR. OGWUMA AND OTHERS
We, the members of the Ebonyi Prestigious Club (EPC), write to formally express our outrage and concern over the heinous and unprofessional actions perpetrated against our member, Barr. Sampson Ekigbo, a Judge of the Customary Court in Ebonyi State by officers attached to your command, particularly Mr. Ifeanyi Nwovu , Mr Ogwuma and one other.
On tuesday 26th day of November 2024, Barr. Ekigbo was subjected to unprovoked assault, battery, and severe threats to his life by these officers, actions which culminated in an attempted murder. This despicable conduct occurred despite his identification as a respected legal practitioner and a law-abiding citizen.
These actions are not only a gross violation of his fundamental human rights but also a betrayal of the principles of justice, fairness, and professionalism expected of officers in your esteemed institution. The attack has left Barr. Ekigbo physically injured, emotionally traumatized, and fearful for his life.
We, as a reputable organization, cannot sit idly by while one of our members suffers such grave injustice. As custodians of law and order, we hold your office accountable for the actions of your officers and demand the following:
1. A thorough investigation into the incident to ascertain the culpability of Mr. Ifeanyi Nwovu, Mr Ogwuma and others involved.
2. Immediate disciplinary action against the officers responsible for this heinous act.
3. Public apology in five national dailies and two local radio stations in Abakaliki to our member Barr. Sampson Ekigbo for the violation of his rights.
4. A Compensation of two hundred million naira only as compensation to address the physical and emotional harm caused to him.
5. Assurances that such actions will not recur under your command.
We are confident that you will take swift and decisive action to ensure that justice is served and to restore public confidence in your institution. Failure to address this matter promptly will leave us with no choice but to escalate this issue to higher authorities and pursue all available legal remedies.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
Yours faithfully,
[Name]
[Position, Ebonyi Prestigious Club]
[Phone Number]
For: Ebonyi Prestigious Club (EPC).
CC:
Inspector General of Police, Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House Shehu Shagari way, Abuja
Honourable Minister for Interior, Federal Ministry of Interior, Room 104 and 123, Block F, Old Federal Secretariat, Area 1, Garki -Abuja
Rt. Hon. Com. Chinedu Nweke Ogah, OON .
House Committee Chairman on Reformatory Institutions, Federal House of Representatives, Three Arm Zone, Abuja
The Secretary to Government of Ebonyi State, Ocho-Udo Centenary City, Abakaliki
The Director of State Security Services, 1 Maitama Avenue, PMB 253 Abuja
The Commissioner of Police Ebonyi State Police Command.”