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The family of Peter Onminyi who was allegedly killed by men of the Operation Zenda Squad of the Benue State Police Command has cried out for justice, demanding the release of his corpse to the family for a decent burial according to Idoma traditional rites and custom.
The family also seeks the release of the items looted from their house and requests to be allowed access to their home that was sealed by the police.
Peter Onminyi, 23, who hailed from Ijigban district in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State was reportedly killed by police at about 8 pm on May 19, 2024 when the security operatives allegedly invaded their residence located at Welfare Quarters Area of Makurdi, the state capital.
Speaking to newsmen in Makurdi, on Wednesday, the father of the deceased, Joseph Onminyi, a retired health worker of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, said that his son was a complete gentleman who committed no offence known to the family or the general public before police came to the house to killed him.
Pa Onminyi, who was in the company of his three children, also alleged that after the policemen invaded the house and shot his son to death, they also took his dead body, looted some of their home appliances and forcefully ejected the family out of the house.
The septuagenarian narrated tearfully: “I am Mr Joseph Onminyi, the father of the deceased, late Peter Onminyi, whom the police shot to death on the 19th May 2024 in my own house not even outside.
“No reason was given by the police for their actions. They didn’t ask or tell anybody about the offence he committed, rather they just killed him while he was eating at the dining hall.
“They just jumped through the fence of my house and after entering the house, they started shooting sporadically and also shot at my son who was eating at the dining table.
“Not only that, after shooting him, they took him away and they evacuated all the home properties, including radio, refrigerator, washing machine, gas cooker and cylinder as well as two motorcycles and every other things in the house.
“I think this action could be seen and called armed robbery because they came unannounced and nobody was informed of what they came for. Whether they came to check anything or they came to investigate anyone, they didn’t say anything, rather they shot and killed my innocent child.
“After killing him, the police still took his body away to an unknown destination. Up till this moment, I don’t know where my son’s lifeless body is. Not only that, police still shutdown my house. They locked the entrance gate to my house. My house is still under lock and key since the incident happened in May this year.
“My family and I have been sleeping outside our comfort home and on an uncompleted building. I therefore cry to the country Nigeria and the whole world at large to come to my aid and address the police brutality on innocent citizen.”
He lamented that police brutality in Nigeria has become too much, stressing that even when his son was not invited by police for questioning of any crime and committed no offence of any crime or any kind, police came to the house and just shot him for no reason.
“I have instituted a case of breach of human rights against the police authority, but since May, the police authority is using their power to delay the case in the court. They have refused to make appearances in the court, which means that the police has power and consider herself above the law not to appear in the law court.
“At first, we thought that those people who came to attacked my house and killed my innocent child just disguised themselves as police, that police couldn’t behave the way they did, but after the innocent boy was killed , we started checking and moving round police stations in Makurdi. Then we saw that they are truly policemen because we saw some of the properties taken away from my house at the Operation Zenda office and we recognised those items.
“It was there that the police informed me through my lawyer that my son died and that they had deposited the corpse at the mortuary but they didn’t tell us which mortuary.
“As I speak with you, I have nowhere to stay. My wife and my few children are just roaming about the street.
“I, therefore, call on the entire world to hear and see what the Nigeria Police is doing to me and my family. Civil society organisations, human rights lawyers should please help me avail justice for my son.
“I sincerely appeal for urgent intervention of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to ensure speedy dispensation of justice in the delayed hearing on the case of this extra judicial killing of our son, Peter Onminyi by men of the Nigeria Police,” he stated.
When contacted, Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer SP Catherine Anene said that it was a case of someone involved in kidnapping and armed robbery.
“I am aware of the case which involves a boy who is into kidnapping. I think the police went there for arrest and in the process, one of the boys started exchanging gunfire with the police and in the process, he was killed.
“However, am not sure of the name but I will still get back to you, ” she said.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has said that the Tinubu administration recognizes the mental and emotional well-being of judicial officers.
She said the administration has in mind the fact that the mental and emotional health of judicial officers is directly tied to their living conditions.
She made this statement on Monday during the flag-off of the design and construction of 40 housing units for Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Kekere-Ekun performed the groundbreaking exercise in the presence of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, principal officers of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, as well as FCT Area Council Chairmen, among others.
Kekere-Ekun described the exercise as a significant milestone in the continuation of efforts by the Federal Government and the FCT Administration to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in the Federal Capital Territory.
She stressed that the provision of comfortable and befitting accommodation for judicial officers is a practical step towards ensuring that they are well supported, adding that it will also provide an environment for judges to carry out their duties with independence, impartiality, and integrity.
She said, “Beyond the courtroom, a supportive and conducive living environment is essential to their ability to focus on the heavy responsibilities entrusted to them.”
“Judicial officers require peace of mind, security, and comfort in their residences to fully dedicate themselves to the rigorous task of interpreting and applying the law.
“It goes beyond addressing the basic needs for housing. It reflects the recognition that the mental and emotional well-being of judicial officers is directly tied to their living conditions.
“These homes will provide a secure and tranquil environment, enabling judicial officers to perform their duties with greater focus, efficiency, and clarity of mind.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who also acknowledged the focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, further commended the FCT Administration for its initiative and forward-thinking in implementing the project, which, she said, reflects the importance placed on the welfare of judicial officers.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has confirmed that the Federal Government has begun the implementation of the 300 per cent pay hike for judicial officers.
Fagbemi made this confirmation on Monday at the 12th convocation ceremony of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, in Ekiti State.
He described the move as an important first step in the President Bola Tinubu administration’s resolve to strengthen the judiciary.
According to him, one ongoing concern before he took over the mantle of judicial leadership was the poor remuneration of officers.
“I am again pleased to report that a major intervention of the Tinubu administration in the judiciary is the recent 300 per cent upward review of the remuneration of judicial officers in Nigeria across board. To be true, I can confirm that the implementation of this has begun in earnest,” he said.
DAILY POST recalls that President Tinubu had in August signed into law a bill seeking a 300 per cent increase in salaries and allowances for judicial officials.
Fagbemi’s comment came after the Supreme Court recently ruled in favour of local government autonomy in what many have described as a watershed in the nation’s democratic journey.
Earlier in the year, Fagbemi had sued the 36 state governors over alleged mismanagement of local government funds.
Months later, the apex court ruled that it was illegal for states to hold local government funds.
Before the verdict, local government funds were paid into a joint account managed by state governments and on behalf of LGAs in their domains.
The traditional ruler of the Ogwashi-Ukuv kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo, on Friday, applauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for establishing a judicial commission to resolve long-standing boundary disputes.
The Delta State Government had on Thursday announced the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the ongoing land disputes and security challenges within the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
As an interim measure, the government directed the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku to take direct control of all boundary and satellite communities until the commission concludes its investigation, expected within the next sixty days.
However, the monarch who welcomed the establishment of a judicial commission, said the move was seen as a significant step towards finding a lasting solution to these issues.
He said, “I welcomed the Delta State government’s decision to establish a Judicial Commission to resolve long-standing boundary disputes with neighbouring communities.
“This move is seen as a significant step towards finding a lasting solution to these issues, which have been a source of concern for the community.
“I believe in the rule of law and am committed to ensuring that the Ogwashi-Uku community assists with the commission’s work. As directed by His Excellency the governor of Delta State and mandated by the state government.
“The Obi will take direct control of the affected satellite communities for the next 60 days, with the assistance of law enforcement agencies to ensure there is no breach of peace.
“The establishment of the Judicial Commission is a positive development. The Obi’s leadership and commitment to resolving these internal and external disputes will undoubtedly bring clarity and fairness to the issues at hand.”
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The monarch stressed that the decision would pave the way for a more harmonious relationship between Ogwashi-Uku and its neighbouring communities and within the kingdom.
Following the incessant land deputies, the government banned the sales of land in Ogwashi-Uku and its neighbouring communities, particularly in disputed boundary areas, until further notice.
The state Deputy Governor, Mr Monday Onyeme, gave the directive in July at a meeting to resolve Ogwashi-Uku kingship, chieftaincy, and land disputes with neighbouring communities at the Government House Asaba.
Meanwhile, in September, a group led by one Mr Chukwuma Nwaka accused the monarch of orchestrating efforts to seize ancestral lands belonging to Otulu.
Nwaka, in a briefing, called on the governor and state security agencies to intervene and peacefully put the matter to rest.
Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has declared that the Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments has created a significant gap between judicial and constitutional provisions.
The governor who spoke at an emergency consultative meeting with stakeholders on Monday in Ibadan also announced the formation of technical and legal committees to thoroughly examine the implications of the court’s decision.
The meeting which held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office was attended by key figures including members of the Oyo State chapter of the Association of Local Government Administration (ALGON), the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Abiodun Aikomo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, and representatives from various unions including the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).
Makinde highlighted the aim of the gathering to discuss the implications of the Supreme Court ruling regarding the financial autonomy of local government councils.
He emphasised the challenges posed to state governments by the decision, stressing the need for a home-grown solution that ensures transparency and aligns with constitutional principles.
“In addressing the aftermath of this ruling, we must ensure that our actions promote good governance and serve the best interests of our people,” he said.
The Oyo State governor also reflected on his administration’s efforts since assuming office, citing significant strides in local government elections, infrastructure development, and the settlement of salary arrears and pension obligations.
Speaking on the challenges and the way forward, Makinde reiterated his commitment to collaborative efforts with local governments to deliver dividends of democracy effectively.
Meanwhile, Barrister Aikomo and Otunba Ojo, addressing newsmen after the meeting, outlined the responsibilities of the newly formed committees.
They disclosed that the committees have been tasked with reviewing the specifics of the Supreme Court ruling and proposing detailed implementation plans that adhere to constitutional requirements while addressing practical challenges.
The Attorney-General affirmed that the committees are expected to complete their review within four to six weeks, pending the receipt of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court Judgement.
The Supreme Court ruling, which mandates direct administration of local government funds without interference from state governors, has sparked nationwide debates and legal scrutiny.
“We are determined to navigate these challenges and ensure that the interests of our people remain paramount,” Makinde concluded.