…Family Cries for Justice
The family of Samuel Hezekiah Isaiah of Afaha Ikot Akpa Idem village in Ukanafun Local Government Area is crying out for justice following the brutal killing of their son.
Samuel, a 32-year-old father of a 3-year-old boy, was allegedly shot and killed in June 2023 by gunmen, drove in a Toyota Hilux who later seized his corpse.
The grieving family claims the attack was ordered by an individual they described as ‘a wealthy man’ Mr Emmanuel Ebeka and wife; Adamma Emmanuel, who involved in a land dispute with them.
In their quest for justice, the family is demanding the release of Samuel’s body and clear answers from the police. They are outraged that the prime suspect, Mr. Ebeka, who allegedly confessed to the heinous crime, was released without a thorough investigation or the recovery of Samuel’s corpse.
As the Chief Security Officer of the area, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ukanafun LGA, Hon. Godwin Sunday Ekpe, was invited and interrogated by the police over the gruesome murder. He confirmed that the killing took place, a fact corroborated by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ukanafun.
In a letter to the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Waheed Ayilara, the legal representatives of the devastated family expressed deep concern over what they described as a compromised investigation. They protested the release of the murder suspect and called for a comprehensive and unbiased probe into the killing.
The letter, which was copied to the Inspector General of Police, Chairman of the Police Service Commission in Abuja, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, the Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State, and the Director of the DSS in Akwa Ibom, reads in part: “Our client has informed us that the principal suspect in the murder case has been released by the police, even though Samuel’s corpse has not been found and the other individuals mentioned by the suspect have not been interrogated.”
It was further revealed that the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) handling the case is Inspector Mboho, while the Head of the Investigation Team is ASP Bassey, both of the Homicide Department. Despite the gravity of the case, the family fears the investigation is being mishandled.
Determined to uncover the truth behind Samuel’s murder, lawyers of the heartbroken family have demanded the revocation of the suspect’s bail. They also expressed concerns about the safety of the complainant, who remains vulnerable in an insecure environment.
In the meantime, the grieving family is now calling on the Akwa Ibom State Police Command to take swift action to ensure that justice is served, and those responsible for Samuel’s death are held accountable.
