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Attempt to Pervert Justice: Family of Slain Warri Man Begs A'Ibom Chief Judge, Others for Intervention

 




By Aniefiok Christopher 


The family of a slain father of three, late John Gagha from Egbema Kingdom in Warri North, Delta State who was falsely accused and murdered at Mbierebe Obio in 2023 have made a passionate appeal to Akwa Ibom Chief Judge and others in the administration of justice for intervention.


Rev Dickson Okito, an uncle to the deceased, who was reportedly subjected to a jungle justice following an unsubstantiated allegation made by one Daniel Mbet on 24th December, 2023, made the appeal recently, during a press briefing in Uyo.


Flanked by Sunday Afiko, a human rights activist and Mr Maduka Chibuzor, owner of Johnrex Guest House, where the deceased was lodging, Rev Okito said though, the family is still very sad about the loss of the bread winner of three children and a wife, they are even much more concerned about a seeming attempt by those involved to pervert justice, hence the call on the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State and the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure that justice prevails in the matter.


Briefing journalists earlier, the principal witness and owner of Johnrex Guest House, Mr Maduka Chibuzor narrated how he helplessly witnessed the gruesome killing and murder of late John Gagha by a group of persons led by Mr Daniel Mbet, owner of a Welding Shop close to the Guest House.


According to Chibuzor, who is popularly known as Johnrex, his call to the Police Control Room to save the life late John Gagha from his attackers and killers had yielded no result, as the police arrived when the innocent victim was already killed and set ablaze.


According to him, the suspects have been on the run, after the family were contacted and matter was reported to the Police in January, 2024, while the suspects repeatedly threatening his life for reporting the matter to police.


He narrated how he was later arrested by some policemen and detained at the Uyo Area Command, Division A, from where he was taken to Zone 6, before he was granted bail, while the suspects were walking free, ever since the matter was reported.


Johnrex said he has encountered series of threats from the prime suspect, who was bent on covering up the case using the police, until May 2024 when Mr Daniel Mbet was arrested and the matter charged to the Akwa Ibom State High Court 6, presided over by Hon Justice Daniel Nsemeke, who has recently recused himself from the case following complaints of bias from the petitioners.


"We sensed some element of bias from the Judge, who for no just cause, I was remanded into prison custody, while the suspects are walking freely on the streets of Uyo. Hence, we are calling on the appropriate authority to look into the matter and ensure that justice is prevailed"  he concluded.


Speaking earlier, the Counsel to the deceased family, Mr Sunday Afiko of Law and Associates, Uyo said the matter was reported to the police, investigations conducted and charged to court. He said they are however sensing that the judiciary is not living up to expectation, as the accused persons who allegedly committed the offence are walking and threatening the principal witness who was remanded in prison custody for no just cause.


He said all his clients want is justice for the late John Gagha and his family, stressing that he was shocked that anyone could be killed in such circumstances and the witness is being persecuted and attempts made to prevent justice. 


According to him, Johnrex is just an innocent person helping the family and so deserves to be protected by the State, "But unfortunately, he was being molested in Court and sent to prison for no just cause. No petition, no charge against him".


He said though the matter has presently be sent for reassignment, he is calling on the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State and others in the administration of justice to ensure that justice is done, and when justice is done, then the society will be free from persons who take laws into their hands or resort to self help.


"So we are adding our voices to that of the family to say let justice be done in this particular case" he concluded.

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