Dear Sir: A call for full scale investigation into the brutal murder of Chief Michael Atuora and sergeant Harrison Ajayi Aigbobo on the 1st day of October, 2009 by police inspector Tahiru ali (attached to Abuja municipal area council), inspector Habila Maikefi (attached to the office of the inspector general of police,) and constable Solomon Maikefi (attached to 44 PMF force headquarters Abuja).
We are Solicitors to the families of late Chief Michael Atuora (Ogazi 1 of Nise) and Sgnt Harrison Ajayi Aigbobo,(hereinafter referred to as “our Clients”) and on whose instruction we write this letter.
Our clients informed us that Chief Michael Atuora (hereinafter referred to as 1st deceased) was until his gruesome murder on the 1st day of October, 2009 the Ogazi I of Nise in Awka South L.G.A of Anambra State and the Managing Director of Barrywhite Furniture Limited with its head office in Abuja.
It is also our brief that Sgnt. Harrison Ajayi Aigbobo (Hereinafter referred to as 2nd deceased) until his brutal assassination on the date mentioned above was attached to the Operations Section (OPS) F.C.T Police Command, Abuja and is from Ekpoma, Esan West L.G. A in Edo State.
FACTS
Our clients informed us that Chief Michael Atuora had on that faithful day gone in company of his friends; Chukwuma Ajala, Paul Ekedi, and Kelechukwu Akupue to “Spotless Bar” located at Nyanya, Abuja and managed by Rosemary Nwosu for a dinner in commemoration of Nigeria’s 49th Independence Anniversary.
We were further informed by our clients that it was while they were in the said bar around 9.15p.m that the owner/manager of the bar informed the Chief Michael Atuora that some people were complaining about his car and were trying to deflate the tires of his vehicle packed opposite the bar.
That on hearing this, the 1st deceased rushed to where his car was packed and was heard apologizing to the people trying to deflate the tire of his car but instead of accepting his apology, one of the men slapped him and held onto his shirt collar. The said man was later identified to be Inspector Tahiru Ali, a police officer attached to Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC)
Whilst still holding the shirt collar of the 1stdeceased, the said Inspector Tahiru used the dagger he was using to deflect the tire and stabbed the 1st Deceased.
It was at this point that people on the other side (including the 2nd deceased who was also in the bar) sensed there was danger and rushed over to the scene.
Our clients further informed us that whilst the duo of Chukwuma Ajala, and Paul Ekedi tried to hold Inspector Tahiru Ali, from inflicting more injuries on the 1st deceased, the 2nd deceased tried to pacify the associate of Inspector Tahiru Ali later identified as Inspector Habila Maikefi attached to the office of Inspector General of Police, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
But instead of listening to the voice of a fellow police officer, the said Inspector Maikefi ordered a subordinate (on top of his voice) to get him his gun. When the 2nd deceased sensed danger, he tried using his cell phone to make a call.
Some minutes later whilst the 2nd deceased was still trying to make a call with his cell phone, the Subordinate of Inspector Maikefi appeared armed with a gun and shot into the air for the first time but Inspector Maikefi commanded him to shoot at people. It was then that he aimed and shot Sgt. Harrison Ajayi Aigbobo who fell into the gutter. He fired again and got Chief Michael Atuora. Others ran to the nearby compound except Paul Ekedi who pretended to be already dead to avoid the killers’ bullet. The gunman was later identified to be Police Constable Solomon Maikefi attached to 44 P.M.F and a brother to Inspector Habila Maikefi.
Our clients also informed us that while this was happening, Mr. Rosemary Nwosu ran to the nearest mobile police unit to report the incident. Men from the mobile police unit came immediately to the scene. But upon sighting the mobile policemen, Constable Solomon Maikefi ran away and Inspector Tahiru Ali stabbed himself with the dagger which he used in stabbing the 1st deceased.
It is also our brief that when the mobile policemen arrived the scene the 2nd Deceased was still breathing but the plea of Chukwuma Ajala that he should be taken to the hospital immediately fell on deaf ears.
PRAYER/CONCLUSION
It is based on the above stated facts that our clients instruct us to request and we hereby request for the following:
(a) Full scale investigation should be immediately launched into the murder of the two deceased persons to be directly supervised by your good office.
(b) Immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in the murder of the two deceased persons.
(c) Provision of adequate security for eye witnesses and protection of all instruments/weapons (Exhibits) used in the perpetuation of the murder.
(d) Actions should be commenced towards the compensation of the families of the deceased persons.
It is regrettable that weapons purchased with tax payers money and meant solely for their protection is now being used for their destruction.
Permit us to state that your assumption of office as Inspector-General of Police brought enormous confidence in the heart of Nigerians towards the police, it is our hope that you will confirm this confidence reposed in you by Nigerians by causing a full scale investigation into this ugly incident and bringing all those involved in this crude and brutal act to book no matter how highly placed.
We expect that you will not fail Nigerians.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
For: Festus Keyamo Chambers
3rd October, 2009.
The Inspector-General of Police,
Force Headquarters,
Louis Edet House,
Abuja.
EZEKIEL UGOCHUKWU, ESQ. ALEXANDER OKETA, ESQ.
Counsel Counsel
CC:
1. Chairman, Police Service Commission.
2. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
3. The Commissioner of Police
F.C.T Command.
4. Chairman,
House Committee on Police Affairs,
House of Representatives of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
5. Chairman,
Senate Committee on Police Affairs,
Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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