The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Investigation

  • Yakowa’s, Azazi’s deaths: Lawmakers call for thorough investigation

    Two members of the House of Representatives and a lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly have called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash of the Navy helicopter which claimed the lives of Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa; former National Security Adviser (NSA), General Andrew Owoye Azazi; and four others on Saturday.

    Mr. James Abiodun Faleke representing Ikeja Federal Constituency; his counterpart from Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency 2, Hakeem Abiodun Muniru; and a lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Lagos Island Constituency 2, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King, while condoling with the families of the deceased, said only a thorough investigation into the sad event would prevent a recurrence.

    “I was devastated by the news and till now I’m still in shock. My heart goes out to the families of the deceased. I pray God gives them the fortitude to bear the huge loss. This is a tragedy,” Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Ethics and National Values, said.

    The former Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) said measures should be put in place by the Federal Government to ensure that the Nigerian airspace is safe.

    “There is need for a thorough and urgent investigation into this crash. Not only that the report of such investigation must be acted upon with immediate urgency by the Federal Government, if we are to prevent future occurrence, this is a matter that must not be toyed with,” he said.

    Faleke described the event as a national calamity that will affect the country negatively.

    “These are prominent Nigerians who contributed to the development of this country. Their death is a calamity to Nigeria,” he said.

    Muniru recalled that another helicopter carrying a serving Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, the late John Ahmadu, crashed shortly after taking-off in Jos in March, killing all on board. He lamented that while the country is still waiting for the report of that crash, another crash involving a military helicopter occurred, claiming the lives of a serving governor, a former NSA and four others.

    “We must investigate this latest tragedy and make the report known. It is important that we know what is causing these crashes to enable us take steps to prevent recurrence. It’s a pity that innocent Nigerians are being killed,” he said.

    The lawmaker called on the Federal Government to act fast and put in place measures that will make the Nigerian airspace safer.

    “I pray to God to grant the deceased persons eternal rest and give their families the fortitude to bear the great losses,” Muniru said.

    Alawiye-King wondered why reports of previous air crashes have not been released.

    “There was the police helicopter crash in March which killed the late DIG Ahmadu and others; there was the Dana crash; and now the Navy helicopter crash killing Yakowa, Azazi and others. Where are the reports of the other crashes? We need to investigate and act on the reports of crashes to prevent future occurrences,” he said.

    The Lagos lawmaker said the latest crash should not be swept under the carpet.

    “This calls for a thorough investigation. The Federal Government must act to prevent innocent Nigerians from dying in the air,” he said.

    Alawiye-King prayed to God to give the deceased eternal rest.

     

  • Ozuah: IG’s Investigation team visits family

    The team constituted by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to investigate the murder of Ugochukwu Ozuah,who was shot dead five days after his wedding, has promised a transparent investigation.

    The team led by Mr. Chris Ezike, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DP), made the promise at the weekend during a visit to the deceased’s family home in Ikeja.

    Ugochukwu, 36, was allegedly shot dead by police officers on September 11 in front of UPS office in Gbagada.

    DCP Ezike said the special team from the Force Headquarters Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID was called in on the basis of neutrality to ensure the outcome of investigation is not prejudiced.

    “The IG sent us here because we are neutral and professional. Already, the police in Lagos have been fingered in the said crime and it would not be right for them to act as judges over a matter against them,” he said.

    “We will visit the crime scene, the mortuary and also the Anthony Police Station from where the said policemen are from and then we will carry out forensic investigation.”

    He added that the team “will inspect the corpse as well to determine the point of bullet entry and exit. Although we are not magicians, we will do our best. The investigation will be like that of a collapsed building. We will reconstruct the crime scene like a collapsed building and put clues together.”

    He however urged the deceased’s family to come forward with any information they might have regarding the case.

    While speaking, the deceased’s sister and spokesperson for the family, Mrs. Nkechi Nonyelu, emphasised the need for institutional reforms that will curb extra-judicial killings.