– Writes IGP To Investigate Extrajudicial Killings In Imo
Sequel to a letter addressed to the National Human Rights Commission NHRC, by Dr Philip Njemanze, Founder, International Institute of Advanced Research and Training, Chudicon Medical Center, Owerri, the Imo State capital, in respect of Somtochukwu Ibeanusi, the 10 year old boy who was killed by security agents in the course of the demolition of Ekeuku Owerri Market by the Rochas Okorocha administration, the National Human Rights Commission, has written to the Inspector General of Police to initiate a thorough investigation of the matter.
Dr Njemanze, who is also President of the Association of Catholic Medical Practitioners and arrow head of the Pro-life movement in Imo State in the petition he addressed to the National Human Rights Commission, also highlighted the series of extra judicial killings, arson, questionable disappearance of citizens in the state.
He said, ‘’ we have initiated an ICC process since 2018 on this subject matter, as can be seen in EXHIBIT 8. We expect the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to support our application at the ICC with evidence uncovered during the investigations. We also hope that the OHCHR will urge the IMSG to comply with subsisting interlocutory injunction in: Suit No. HOW/146/1999 (EXHIBIT 9) issued by the High Court of Imo State. The Plaintiff/Applicant No. 6 in the suit is Sir Charles O. Ihenacho, the father of the author of this letter. Additionally, we urge the IMSG to comply with the interlocutory injunction issued by the High Court of Imo State in Suit No. HOW/380/2016 (EXHIBIT 10) on the Ekeọnụwa/Eke Ukwu Owerri Market. We had earlier on 1st October, 2016 written to the Director of Heritage Division and World Heritage Centre UNESCO on the destruction of the Holy Sites by IMSG (EXHIBIT 11).
“I also personally appealed to the UN for protection because of my human right activities. The IMSG has made repeated attempts on my life with attempted kidnapping and assassination (see police report/response EXBIHIT 12). We hope for an expeditious resolution of this crisis.
“We, the Indigenous People of Owerri, have made essential contributions to the diversity and richness of human civilization and culture, which constitute the common heritage of mankind. We, the Amawom Welfare Association, are the custodians of the ruling house of Owerri Ancient Kingdom. We are writing to draw the attention of all UN Member States to the continuing violations of the rights of Indigenous People of Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, in contravention of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (61/295), 2007.
“The Owerri Indigenous People have suffered from historic injustices, including colonization and dispossession of our lands, territories, and resources, which have prevented us from exercising our right to development in accordance with our own needs and interests’’.
He said, ‘’ we have initiated an ICC process since 2018 on this subject matter, as can be seen in EXHIBIT 8. We expect the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to support our application at the ICC with evidence uncovered during the investigations. We also hope that the OHCHR will urge the IMSG to comply with subsisting interlocutory injunction in: Suit No. HOW/146/1999 (EXHIBIT 9) issued by the High Court of Imo State. The Plaintiff/Applicant No. 6 in the suit is Sir Charles O. Ihenacho, the father of the author of this letter. Additionally, we urge the IMSG to comply with the interlocutory injunction issued by the High Court of Imo State in Suit No. HOW/380/2016 (EXHIBIT 10) on the Ekeọnụwa/Eke Ukwu Owerri Market. We had earlier on 1st October, 2016 written to the Director of Heritage Division and World Heritage Centre UNESCO on the destruction of the Holy Sites by IMSG (EXHIBIT 11)”.
