Lawyer Decries Rise In Extra-Judicial Killings

A Port Harcourt-based lawyer, Mr Chijioke Agi, has lamented the rate of extra judicial killings across the nation.
Mr Agi, who made the remarks while speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday noted that there was low adherence to rule of law by law enforcement agents.
He said sometimes vital witnesses are killed by agents to a bid to cover up for their misdeeds.
Mr Agi noted that everyone accused of committing a crime was presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
He remarked that extra judicial killings denied the defendants the opportunity to have a fair hearing.
Mr Agi averred that despite the disbanding of Special Anti-Robbery Squad many police formation had the semblance of SARS and were acting likewise.
He explained that corruption had eaten deep into the moral fabrics of the country.
“You see corruption has eaten deep into the moral fabrics of our country hence the law enforcement agents no longer have compunction killing innocent citizens to cover up their crimes. We are living among debased law enforcement agents, “the counsel stated.
The Port Harcourt lawyer described the police as a blatantly corrupt official who brazenly take and encourage bribery.
Mr Agi noted that extra -judicial killings and human rights abuses had risen to a crescendo in the present administration.
He warned that unless something was done urgently to stem the tide law enforcement agents were likely to take liberty for license.
He said that there was need to bring culprits to book in order to act as deterrent to others.
Mr Agi said that recently a police officer killed the husband of a woman he was dating and buried him secretly.
According to him, it is disheartening to see police officers committing heinous crimes against the populace whom they are supposed to protect.
He noted that the police were fast becoming anti-masses.
He encouraged the Federal Government to reform the police force in order to protect lives and property.

By: Chidi Enyie