The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development, FENRAD, a pro-democracy, human and environmental rights advocacy group, has called for justice in the reported killing of Master Daniel Ogbonna by one Mr. Okeugo Ugonna, an alleged member of staff of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA).
Ogbona was allegedly struck by the blow that killed him close to a receptacle located at Asa Road, Aba.
In a statement jointly signed by FENRAD Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor; Barr. Olusegun Bamgbose, Head Legal Team/ Litigation; and Barr. Akande Femisi
Head Corporate Accountability and Human Rights Enforcement, Master Daniel Ogbonna of 36 St. Michael’s Road, Aba, left his residence at 5:30 pm to dispose waste at the receptacle where he was said to have, like others before him, disposed the waste on the road since the receptacle was filled.
The statement states further: “However, a worker identified as ‘Biggy’ ordered the suspect (Mr. Okeugo Ugonna) to go after Master Daniel Ogbonna only for the suspect to land fatal blow on the 17-year-old Master Daniel Ogbonna following which the young teenager died. Biggy, FENRAD learns, is on the run and yet to be apprehended by law enforcement and security agencies while the suspect, whose escape attempt was foiled, was caught by the people and handed over to Central Police Station, Area Command, Aba.
“FENRAD calls on the state government led by Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D, to ensure that justice is served, and all those named – including the so-called ‘Biggy’ who is still at large – in this matter be made to face the music. Also, the Foundation calls on the state environmental protection agency to come clean throughout the pendency of this matter as human life is more vital than any other business.
“The Foundation read the statement credited to the Deputy Director General of the state environmental protection agency, Aba Zone, Mr. Rowland Nwakamma, who among other things said that his staff closed on 4:30 pm on the said date of the event (since the incident happened at 5:30pm). Much that this sounds as an alibi, it does not yet suffice, to the Foundation.
“FENRAD calls on the Agency to, on its own part, ensure that justice is established as there is no other agency charged with the environmental mandate of the state outside it.
“While FENRAD understands that the suspect is in police custody, it however, wishes to make it known that it shall be following up this matter till the very last is heard of it and justice served. The suspect must be made to face the law and the identity of ‘Biggy’ established, including who he worked for or with until the sad event occurred. Not until this is done and adequate compensation made will FENRAD assume that justice has been properly dispensed without obstruction. This is the only condition of justice acceptable to the Foundation.
“Meanwhile, the Foundation condoles with the bereaved family and all those who may have been affected by this tragic demise in one or the other, in this trying time. It is sad how the sun set on a 17-year-old promise in a rather avoidable circumstance.
“To those mourning, the Foundation says, ‘Sorry, you are in our thoughts.'”