Reps Order Police Boss To Probe Killing Of Infant By NDLEA Operatives

The House of Representatives has asked the Inspector General of Police ( IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to take over the investigation and prosecution of operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) involved in the killing of a two-year-old Ivan Onose Omhonrina, in Asaba, Delta State, last week.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Unyime Idem, at plenary, calling for the investigation and prosecution of NDLEA officers involved in Shooting and Killing of  Ivan Omhonrina.

The House also asked the NDLEA and other law enforcement agencies to provide regular training and sensitization programmes for their officers on the appropriate use of
firearms as well as respect for human rights.

The parliament, while calling for a periodic mental evaluation of security agents, also mandated its Committee on National Security and Intelligence (when constituted) to effectively monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies.

The committee is to “ensure regular
evaluations, reviewing incidents, and recommend appropriate actions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The two-year-old Omhonrina, who was returning from school, reportedly died from a stray bullet fired by NDLEA officers, while his younger brother Eromosele Omhonrina was also shut in one of his eyes.

The mover of the motion decried the incessant extra-judicial killing of innocent Nigerian and called for decisive action to stem the tide.

According to him, “On July 13, 2023, two-years-old Ivan Onose Omhonrina, who was returning from school tragically lost his life due to a stray bullet fired by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
(NDLEA) in Asaba, Delta State, his younger brother Eromosele Omhonrina was also shut in one of his eyes.

“On April 4, 2023, a 17 years old boy, Ibuchim Ofezie, a resident of Agingi Community of Bassa Local Government Area of Jos was killed by some police patrol operatives attached to “C” Division of the Command, similarly on the 28 May 2023, Bakare Idris Demola was shot dead by Mr. Kabiru Odejimi, a Police officer of the Nigerian Police Force in Oregun, Ikeja area, Lagos State.”

The lawmaker expressed worry that innocent Nigerians have been either injured or lost their lives due to stray bullets fired by Law Enforcement Officers in the country.

He said; “If urgent intervention to proffer a lasting solutions and end this recurring killing of innocent Nigerians by stray bullets are not put in place, more citizens will continue to sustain injuries and may lead to eventual loss of lives.

“Also worried that the recurring killings of innocent Nigerians by stray bullets pose significant risks and consequences for individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole, It is therefore important that swift, immediate, and decisive action is taken to address this issue, restore the trust, protect human rights, and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.”

The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary said; “law enforcement agencies need to advise their personnel to wear a body camera.”

Kalu noted that this would make law enforcement more transparent and serve as a check against extra-judicial killings.

Mercy Chukwudiebere