A coalition of civil society organisations under the Network of Abuja Left Groups has called for justice over the alleged abduction of Chukwuemeka John, expressing concern over what it described as the disregard for court orders and the prolonged delay in judicial proceedings.

The coalition also demanded accountability from all those implicated in the case, noting that three police officers indicted over his forced abduction and reported killing in 2017 have yet to face justice.

Speaking at a solidarity court action in Abuja yesterday, Coordinator of the group, Gerald Katchy, condemned what he described as the continued delay in securing justice, saying the prolonged judicial process and the alleged disregard for court orders undermine public confidence in the justice system.

According to him, John was allegedly taken away in 2017 by operatives of the Nigerian Police from his residence in Lekki, Lagos State, who also carted away his vehicles and other valuables.

Katchy called on the relevant authorities to ensure that all those implicated in the alleged abduction and reported killing of John are held accountable, irrespective of their status or position. He maintained that justice delayed is justice denied and urged the government to demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law by ensuring the case is diligently prosecuted.

He further appealed to civil society organisations, human rights groups and members of the public to continue to demand justice and uphold the principles of accountability and human rights, stressing that no democratic society can thrive where allegations of enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killings are left unresolved.

He said: “This is not just the story of one man. It is a shocking case of abuse of power, police brutality, and the impunity that continues to deny victims and their families justice. We are deeply concerned by ongoing efforts to shield those implicated and prevent full accountability by the Police institution”.

He called on the Attorney General of the Federation to take immediate steps to ensure that justice is served in the matter, including the prosecution of the three police officers indicted in connection with the case.

He stressed that the continued delay in bringing the accused officers to trial raises serious concerns about accountability and the commitment of the country’s justice system to uphold the rule of law.

According to him, no individual should be above the law, particularly in cases involving alleged human rights violations.

He further urged the Federal Government to demonstrate its resolve in protecting the rights of citizens by ensuring that court orders are respected and judicial processes are not unnecessarily prolonged. He noted that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done in order to restore public confidence in the nation’s institutions.

Katchy also maintained that holding those responsible accountable would send a strong message that abuses of power will not be tolerated in a democratic society.

“Different courts have given order, which police have not honored, to the point that even the Judicial Panel on Enquiry on END SARS that was constituted by the National Human Rights Commission under the leadership of the Vice President then, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, sat for two years on this particular matter.

“All invitations made to the police, they did not provide evidence even those that were indicted. They indicted three officers,” he stated.

Other members of the coalition, including Adaramoye Michael Lenin, Salako Kayode, joined the solidarity court action to demand justice for John and renewed calls for the prosecution of those indicted in connection with his alleged abduction and reported killing.

They urged the Federal Government and relevant law enforcement agencies to uphold the rule of law by ensuring that court orders are obeyed and that no individual or institution is allowed to frustrate the course of justice. The coalition maintained that the case has become a test of Nigeria’s commitment to human rights, accountability and judicial integrity.

The group also vowed to sustain peaceful advocacy and legal efforts until justice is served, insisting that victims of alleged human rights abuses must not be forgotten or denied their constitutional right to redress. (Guardian)

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