A yet-to-be-identified labourer was reportedly shot dead on Wednesday, while three others sustained critical injuries, during an altercation involving the Crack Squad of the Ebonyi State Police Command at Ugwuechara Junction in Abakaliki.

Witnesses say the incident began when members of the Crack Squad stopped a motorcycle rider, accusing him of fraud and attempting to seize his motorcycle.

The rider reportedly identified himself as a member of the military but was allegedly assaulted by the operatives.

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An eyewitness recounted, “As the policemen removed his cap and started hitting him with their guns, the bike man tried to resist them, possibly to snatch one of their guns.

“One of the team opened fire, which killed one of the labour seekers, who usually gather at the junction to look for daily jobs. Three persons were wounded and were rushed to the hospital.”

The deceased, a labourer waiting for work at the junction, was struck by the gunfire. Among the injured are a young apprentice at a barbershop and a female passer-by.

Witnesses say the police operatives took the body of the deceased and the motorcycle rider to their station after the incident.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi, Joshua Ukandu, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.

However, Obinna Mbam, the Special Assistant on Internal Security to Governor Francis Nwifuru, confirmed the incident.

“Normalcy has returned to the area,” Mr. Mbam said. “The state government will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

The incident has sparked outrage among residents of Ebonyi State, who have raised concerns about the increasing cases of police brutality, extortion, and indiscriminate arrests.

Many residents also expressed dissatisfaction with the Crack Squad, which was established as part of police reforms following the disbandment of the controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in 2020.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has filed criminal charges against former Nigerian senator Andy Uba and two others, accusing them of defrauding a complainant, George Uboh, of N400 million.

The charges, which include two counts, were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Uba, who represented Anambra South in the Senate from 2011 to 2019, along with Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu, is alleged to have conspired with Hajiya Fatima, who remains at large, to defraud Uboh in 2022.

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According to the charges, the accused individuals falsely claimed they could secure the appointment of the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for anyone who could pay N400 million.

“The accused persons collected the N400 million from Mr. Uboh and converted it into their personal use,” the police said, describing the actions as a violation of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act of 2006.

The police also revealed that six witnesses would testify against the accused parties.

The case was officially filed on 10 October 2023 by Abdulrashid Sidi from the Police Legal/Prosecution Section.

During a hearing on 13 November, the prosecution informed the court that the defendants had been evading the service of court documents despite being granted administrative bail.

“The defendants obtained a fundamental rights enforcement order, which had prevented the police from bringing them to court,” said M.L. Anthony, a lawyer for the prosecution.

“It was only after the order was lifted that the defendants were finally charged before the judge.”

The trial, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, was adjourned until 18 February 2025.

This delay allows time for the defendants to appear in court and take their plea, following the prosecution’s efforts to ensure they are properly served with legal documents.

Amidst tension in Osun, Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for peace to allow the authorities to investigate and deliver justice on the attempted murder of Mr Alowonle Iyanda, the state motor transport system chairman.

The Governor particularly pleaded with transport workers statewide not to take laws into their hands and allow state and federal authorities to address the issue for justice to prevail.

The Governor noted that he had spoken to the Inspector General of Police and that immediate actions have been directed by the police authorities to bring to book those who shot the State Park Management System chairman.

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“I call on Osun transport workers to maintain peace and not to take laws into their own hands. I have acted on this sad incident. I spoke with the police Chief and I had a closed door meeting with the Commissioner of Police. Justice will be served.

“We will not allow agents of violence to destroy the peace and stability of our dear state. Do not be provoked to violence. Go about your normal duties while we handle this serious threat to the peace of our state”, the Governor was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, following the fatal shooting of the Chairman of Osun State Motor Transport System, Comrade Iyanda Alowonle, the Inspector General of Police has ordered immediate arrest and prosecution of Head of Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Osun State, Moses Lohor and members of his team for attempted murder.

This was confirmed by the Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Security, Samuel Ojo Esq after a closed door meeting between the Governor and the State Commissioner of Police.

Moses Lohor had shot Mr Alowonle in the abdomen at the police station after his arrest over a domestic brawl with a neighbor. The park chairman is currently on life support at the Intensive Care Unit of the Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

Mr Ojo narrated that the police authorities frowned at Moses’ conduct as unprofessional, illegal, unauthorized, and against operational code, noting that Moses and his men are about to be moved to Abuja this morning.

“We can confirm that the police authorities at the highest level have acted decisively on this matter. A clear punitive directive was issued by the IG. Mr Governor has directed we follow up to ensure that justice is served”, Mr Ojo noted.