The Convener of Digital Economy and ICT Frontier for Northern Nigeria Initiative (DEIFNNI), Mr. Oyigu Elijah, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Ondo State Commissioner of Police to carefully and transparently handle the case of Late Danjuma Sule, who was fatally shot by a highway patrol police officer in Ondo State last week.
Danjuma, an indigene of Abocho in Kogi State, was returning from Lagos en route Isua in Ondo State when he was allegedly gunned down by an officer who reportedly boasted about taking his life, leading to a sparked outrage, with demands for justice and accountability.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Mr. Oyigu expressed his concern, emphasizing the need for the police leadership to demonstrate their commitment to justice by holding the erring officer accountable.
“Danjuma was murdered by the same people paid to protect him. The IGP and the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State have a significant burden to prove that justice is not only served but seen to be served. This case must not be swept under the carpet,” Mr. Oyigu said.
He praised the Ondo State Commissioner of Police for reassuring the family’s delegation that visited his office in Akure last week but warned that promises must translate into action.
“I appreciate the Commissioner of Police who incidentally hails from Western senatorial District of Kogi state for his assurances of taking the case to a logical conclusion, but this goes beyond words. Justice must be seen to be done. The trial of the officer must be transparent, and every stage of the process should be reported to the public to rebuild trust in the police institution,” he added.
The DEIFNNI Convener, who hails from the same community with the deceased, urged the leadership of the Nigerian Police to ensure accelerated proceedings in the case, stressing that any attempt to delay or obscure justice would only deepen public distrust.
“Danjuma was a breadwinner with dependents who relied on him for survival. His life was cut short while he was on a legitimate pursuit of livelihood. His family deserves justice, and the police must not fail them,” he stated.
Mr. Oyigu further called on the Kogi State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo, and Civil Society Organizations to remain vigilant and demand justice for the family of Alhaji Sule Adejo, Danjuma’s father.
“Governor Ododo and Civil Society Groups must keep a lucid vigil on this case. They must insist on accountability until the family of Alhaji Sule Adejo gets the justice they deserve. The police must be held to their responsibility of protecting, not destroying, lives,” he concluded.
Late Danjuma Sule has since been buried according to Islamic rites in his hometown, Abocho, Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, following the tragic incident.
His death has left his family and community in mourning, with calls for justice reverberating across the nation.
