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updated 10:20 AM UTC, Dec 13, 2023

Reps Summon IGP Over Extrajudicial Killings

Guardian / Nigeria: The House of Representatives yesterday summoned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris to explain the death of Mr. Izu Joseph, a footballer with the 3SC Football Club of Ibadan.

The police chief is also to explain the extra-judicial killings of three others – five-year-old girl Godfit Oduku, 17-year-old Innocent Kokorifa, and a 30-year-old man identified as Inyan.

The victims were allegedly shot by police officers.Adopting a motion sponsored by Mr. Douye Diri, the lawmakers directed the police chief to appear before the House Committees on Police Affairs and Human Rights to also explain steps to prevent such killings in future.

The lawmakers expressed concern over the lawlessness by operatives of the police and the Joint Tax Force being paid with tax payers’ money to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

Diri, who represents Yenagoa/Kolokuma Opokuma Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State noted that the Nigeria Police, which is a creation of the law has the primary function to protect the citizens and visitors within the territorial jurisdiction of the country.

According to him: “In the last two weeks, the Nigeria Police, Bayelsa State Command/JTF has shot and killed four innocent Nigerians – Innocent Kokorifa, Izu Joseph, Inyan, a 30-year-old man and Godgift Oduku.

“The trend if not checked may lead to a breakdown of law and order in a situation where the people will be forced to defend themselves from attacks from policemen who have been paid by the tax payers to protect them.”

The lawmaker added: “While it is the duty of the police to maintain civil law in our society, it is expected that such a function is to be carried out with utmost care and respect for human life. The police have tried in their own way to keep our society safe from criminals.”

He was supported by Ossai Nicholas Ossai (PDP: Ndokwa: Delta) who argued it was time the lawmakers rose up against impunity, adding that no agencies of government should be greater than the people.

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