Onokpite's Killing: Court Adjourns Again

LATE CHIEF OGBE ONOKPITE

WARRI, January 19, (THEWILL) – Justice C.E Achenefu, of High Court III in Warri has adjourned court again court processes in the suit filed by the family of slain Ogbe Onokpite, who have alleged that officers of the Nigeria Police Force wrongfully killed the politician, after he was detained for alleged gunrunning. 

The suit was adjourned till January 27, 2012, during court proceedings on Tuesday, January 17, 2012. 

At Tuesday’s hearing, counsel to the applicant, Barrister John E Odohisi prayed the court to rely on his affidavit brought before it and adopt same as argument in support of his motion, adding that, “the more we look at the counter affidavit and exhibits attached, the more new contradictions are unraveled.” He however, prayed the court to call for oral and cross examination of witnesses on the matter. 

Recall that Chief Ogbe Onokpite, who was until his death a former Delta State gubernatorial candidate of Citizens Popular Party (CPP) before he decamped to the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), was alleged killed by men of the Nigeria Police in what many have termed “questionable circumstances.”

 In his prayer brought before the court, Barr J. E. Odohisi prayed the court for an autopsy which he said was an alternative to a prayer on one leg for a coronary inquest on the victim to ascertain the actual course of date saying, “As it is now, we do not know the cause of death.” 

 Counsel to the police Mr. Elemuwu didn’t object to the submission but rather stated that, “he is not opposed to paragraph three of the applicant’s prayer for an autopsy owing to circumstance surrounding the death.” 

In prayer one (1) and two (2) of the disposition, counsel to the Onokpite family, held that “the victim was killed extra judicially in violation to his fundamental human right to life under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution and that the Court should declare so.” 

While speaking to journalists outside the courthouse, uncle to the deceased, Mr. Lawrence Onokpite charged the appropriate authorities to as a matter of urgency, look into the case to ensure that necessary steps are taken to ensure that justice is done.  

“So far, we are comfortable with the proceedings and we are waiting for the court to give its ruling so that we can bury our son,” he added.