Prosecute NDLEA Personnel Who Killed Onose Omhonrina – HOR To IGP

The House of Representatives has urged the Inspector General of Police, IGP to take over the investigation and prosecution of the officer(s) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, involved in the shooting and killing of a two-year-old boy, Ivan Onose Omhonrina, in Delta State and
ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.

It also urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and all other law enforcement agencies to provide regular training and sensitization programs for their officers on the appropriate use of firearms, conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques and respect for human rights.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion “Call for Investigation and Prosecution of the Officers involved in Shooting and Killing of Ivan Onose Omhonrina’ sponsored by Mr. Unyime Idem from Akwa Ibom.

Presenting the motion, the Lawmaker said that on July 13, 2023, a two-year 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 and that Ivan’s younger brother Eromosele Omhonrina was also shot in one of his eyes.

“The House further noted that on April 4, 2023, a 17 year 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 May 28, 2023, one Bakare Idris Demola, was shot dead by Mr. Kabiru Odejimi, a Police officer of the Nigerian Police Force in Oregun, Ikeja area, Lagos State.

Mr. Idem, who expressed concern that innocent Nigerians have been either injured or lost their lives due to stray bullets fired by law enforcement officers in the country warned that if urgent intervention to proffer a lasting solution and end to these recurring killings 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.

“The House also worried that the recurring killings of innocent Nigerians by stray bullets posed significant risks and consequences for individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.

“It urged that swift, immediate and decisive action be taken to address this issue, restore the trust, protect human rights, and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.

Ruling on the motion, the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu who presided over plenary called for the use of body camera to increase transparency and accountability in the activities of law enforcement officers.

The House also mandated the Committee on National Security and Intelligence (when constituted) to effectively monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies, including conducting regular evaluations, reviewing incidents, and recommend appropriate actions to prevent similar occurrences and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The House observed a minute silence for Omhonrina and other victims, who tragically lost their lives to the irresponsibility of security agents.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji