A human rights group, the Initiative Against Human Right Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT), has called on the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), not to withdraw the murder charges against suspects accused of killing Eze Basil Njoku, the traditional ruler of Amanze Obowo in Imo State.
In a petition signed by its coordinator, Mr Gerald Katchy, and released to journalists on Monday, the group described the reported move to drop the case as deeply troubling and a setback to justice.
Njoku was killed on December 17, 2022, after being kidnapped while returning from the Federal Medical Centre in Umuahia. His family reportedly paid a N4 million ransom before his death
It would be recalled that Mr Kolawole Olowookere, SAN, had petitioned the AGF over an alleged bid to arraign a community leader, Chief Nwigwe Williams, alongside others, before a Federal High Court in Abuja on alleged terrorism and kidnapping charges.
The lawyer, in the petition, asked Mr Fagbemi to wade into Williams’ plight by probing the circumstances that led to the new move with a view to ensuring that justice prevail.
However, INAHURAT in its petition acknowledged by the AGF’s office on May 20, said if withdrawn, such action would set a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law and the constitutional separation of powers.
The group said: “We write to you as a concerned non-governmental organisation dedicated to the pursuit of justice and the protection of human rights across Nigeria.
“It has come to our attention and has become public knowledge that a letter dated April 10, written by Kolawole Olowokere, SAN, was submitted in a bid to secure a withdrawal of criminal charge against Nwigwe William.
”William has already been charged to court in a grave matter involving kidnapping, terrorism, and the murder of Eze Njoku.
“Shockingly, the said petition did not cite any legal provision empowering the Attorney-General of the Federation to interfere at this stage of a criminal trial, especially not in the manner that would amount to shielding a suspect from facing trial.
“The law is settled and unequivocal, once a suspect has been charged to court, it is no longer a matter for administrative discretion but for the judiciary.
“The accused must avail himself of the opportunity to take his plea and defend himself before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Further, we bring to your attention a compelling letter written by the family and cabinet members of the late Njoku (copy attached), dated Jan. 16, requesting further investigations into Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/575/23 — IGP vs Jude theme and Anor, and seeking amendment of the charges to include all persons identified during the investigation.
