The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, to investigate the allegations of threats and unlawful detention made by Ifeanyi Ejiofor, against prominent businessman and politician, Emeka Offor.
Ejiofor had in a Facebook post recently claimed there were plots to assassinate him.
“My Kinsman is the chief plotter. He has handsomely paid the executioners and equipped them with the needed weapons. Let me put the world on notice that should anything happen to me tomorrow, Sir Emeka Orakwue Offor should be held responsible.
“I am by this publication placing the relevant security agencies, Anambra State Government and the Federal Government, on alert,” Ejiofor wrote.
HURIWA, in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, also said a South Africa-based activist Bonny Okonkwo has filed a fundamental human rights enforcement suit against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and Emeka Offor, among others, alleging unlawful arrest and detention for criticising the business man in a media publication.
Onwubiko asked the AGF to ascertain the veracity of the claims made by the two individuals.
“Both Ejiofor and Offor hail from Orafite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State. Ejiofor asserted that he has been a target of Offor’s hostility for challenging the businessman’s alleged wrongdoings in their hometown. The human rights lawyer further accused Offor of being behind the burning down of his house and neighborhood, as well as the killing of his personal assistant,” Onwubiko stated.
HURIWA added that Okonkwo’s lawyer, Sebastine Ifeanyi, has sought a court order restraining the police and its agents from further infringing on his liberty.
Onwubiko called on the AGF to treat the alleged threats with every seriousness it deserves.
The statement reads in part, “In response to these serious allegations, HURIWA called for an unemotional and thorough investigation by the Federal Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi SAN.
“HURIWA recognized the gravity of the allegations made by both Ejiofor and Okonkwo and urged the authorities to ensure a fair and transparent inquiry.
“HURIWA recommended that the investigation should focus on determining the credibility of the alleged assassination plot against Ifeanyi Ejiofor and the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of Bonny Okonkwo. The association emphasized the importance of protecting the fundamental rights of individuals, regardless of their status or influence in society.
“The allegations made by Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Bonny Okonkwo are serious and should be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice, transparency, and accountability prevail. We call on all stakeholders, including the judiciary, to play their roles in upholding the principles of justice and protecting the rights of every citizens.”
