By Francis Onoiribholo/Benin
Youth wing chairman of Okhuoromi community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Ewuare Erese, has faulted the Commissioner for Police, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo, over the command’s failure to enforce arrest ordered by the state Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Erese, who stated this in Benin City, blamed the police for flouting a directive from the chambers of the director of public prosecution, (DPP) of the state Ministry of Justice.
Erese pointed out that the chambers of DPP had in its legal advised CR:988/2013 dated 8/1/14 addressed to the commissioner of police, advised the command to effect arrest and interrogate one Joshua Edo Okhuere, Irowere Emevbose a.k.a “Eboh”, Osamuyi, Rufus Igbinovia a.k.a “Dogo” and other fleeing suspects. But this, he claimed, “the police declined to enforce as the individuals still roam about freely, unleashing terror in Okhuoromi community and its environs.”
The said document No. 01/S.7061/17 and signed by G.A Egbemhonkhaye ESQ for director of public prosecution, Edo State with charge Nos. MOR /623C/2013 and MOR/634C/2013 states as follows:
“I am directed to refer to a letter dated 22nd November 2013 from the Oredo magistrate court with Ref. No: MOR/21/348 with which the duplicate case file on the above subject matter was forwarded to this office and to inform you that after a careful study of the facts contained in the duplicate case file, this office is of the opinion that a prima facie case of conspiracy to murder, murder and arson is made out against the suspect, Ovbokhan Iginovia.
“However, no prima facie case is made out against Eware Erase, Omorogbe Igbinidu and Osato Osifo, they should be released if still in custody.
“I am further directed to request you to arrest and interrogate the following persons: Joshua Edo Okhuere, Irowere Emevbose A.K.A “Eboh”, Osamuyi, Rufus Igbinovia A.K.A “Dogo” and other fleeing suspects”, the DPP advised.
Erese disclosed that the individuals had allegedly masterminded the recent attack on Okhuoromi community where two lives were lost, over 18 vehicles and several houses were razed including his properties in a distance community of Amagba were equally destroyed.
“And without any arrest, the police flouted the DPP’s advise as these persons still go about unleashing terror and distorting the existing peace in Okhuoromi community”, he said.
“I am overwhelming surprised that following the legal advise by the DPP, the Edo State police command has declined to make any arrest. Wherein these individuals still roam about in broad daylight, posing threat to our lives and residence of Okhuoromi community”, comrade Erase complained.
When contacted, Edo State PPRO, DSP Moses Eguavoen, said he cannot give any categorical order because, according to him, “ I don’t know if such order was given. I may not want to be confirming such claim. Since the said order is not in my possession.”