On the heels of unending controversy surrounding the death in Lagos, of one Ugochukwu Ozua on 20th September, 2012, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.D Abubakar has constituted a high-powered investigation team from the FCID, Abuja, to immediately take-over the investigation of the case from the Lagos State Police Command, with the mandate to identify and fish out the killer(s).
A statement by Frank Mbah, Deputy Force Public Relations Officer said the IGP’s directive is necessitated by the need to maintain neutrality, professionalism, speedy and holistic dispensation of justice.
While commiserating with the family, friends and relations of the deceased, the IGP reassured the nation that the Force will do everything humanly and operationally possible to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are unmasked and eventually brought to book. He appealed to members of the public especially those who may have witnessed the crime, to come forward with useful information that could aid the Police in tracking the felons. He reminded members of public that they are at liberty to use the special Police email – policemonitor@npf.gov.ng in relaying useful information touching on this case. He also promised that the Special Investigating Team charged with the handling of this case will be releasing special dedicated phone lines for purposes of interaction with members of the public, as soon as they are on ground in Lagos.
Abubakar also used this medium to dispel rumours making rounds, especially on the social media that he had earlier made a definite statement concerning the incident.As a matter of fact, this is the first and the only statement so far made by either the IGP or the Force Headquarters on this subject matter. As the Chief Investigator of the nation, it is not in the character of the IGP to jump into hasty conclusions before initiating investigations.
The IG appeals to all for calm, patience, understanding and support, while efforts are being intensified to unravel the crime.
