Edo House Of Assembly To Probe Alleged Police Killing Of UNIBEN Student

Ibrahim
Ibrahim

An independent panel of inquiry to investigate the death of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, student, Ibrahim Momodu, who was allegedly shot dead by the Divisional Police Officer of Ogida Police Station, Mrs. Carol Afegbai in May would be set up, the Edo State House of Assembly has said.

Making the disclosure while addressing protesting students of UNIBEN, bereaved family, and members of the civil society organisation led by the Executive Director of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, Reverend David Ugolor, Speaker of the House, Mr Uyi Igbe, assured that the leadership of the House would meet to deliberate on the matter, adding that “the House Standing Committee on Security will constitute a separate panel of enquiry into the killing of the UNIBEN student. We are also considering a public hearing into the killing of the Principal Private Secretary to the state governor, the late Olaitan Oyerinde.”

The protesters also stormed the palace of the Oba of Benin and the state Ministry of Justice, calling for a panel of Inquiry to investigate what they described as extra-judicial murder carried out by the police, who they claimed was being shielded by the police authorities.

Uyi Igbe, Speaker Edo House
Uyi Igbe, Speaker Edo House

Igbe asked the protesters to forward 30 copies of their petition to the House immediately to enable the House deliberate on the matter, adding “we are aware of the efforts made by the governor to set up a panel of inquiry into the killing and the different investigations by the police, but we are going to set up separate and independent investigative panel into the matter.”

Rev. Ugolor had earlier appealed to the House to intervene in the matter by setting up an Independent panel into the killing of the UNIBEN student.