Offornedum Okafor was arrested on the 23rd day of August, 2020, at Emene in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, alongside four others, while in a peaceful gathering.
He sustained a gunshot injury from the overzealous officers of the NIGERIA police that attacked their meeting place. He was therefater taken to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla.
While receiving treatment at the said hospital, the men of the Nigeria Police came and whisked him away, not minding his poor state of health.
It is worthy of note, that while Offornedum Okafor was recuperating in the hospital, the other four persons he was arrested with, were arraigned in Charge No: CME/216C/2020 on offences bordering on murder of some unknown persons and treasonable felony.
The said Charge No: CME/216C/2020 was subsequently dismissed on our application,and the four accused persons discharged, for lack of proof of evidence.
On the 2nd day of October, 2020, the Ofornedum was arraigned in Charge No: CME/264C/2020 before the Enugu North Magistrate Court, on a three (3) Count trumped-up Charge bordering on Conspiracy to commit felony, Murder and membership of Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB). The Magistrate directed that he be remanded in the Correctional Centre, Enugu.
The men of the Nigeria Police feared that Offornedum would not survive from the gunshot injury, and in a bid to escape liability resulting from their action, they made away with the case file, and abandoned him in the Correctional Facility.
We consequently filed necessary applications before the Enugu State High Courts to secure his freedom .
Today, 28th day of July, 2022, while delivering Ruling on the said application filed on behalf of Offornedum Okafor in Motion No: E/454m/2021, a High Court sitting in Enugu per Hon. Justice Okpe directed for Ofornedum’s IMMEDIATE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE, which Order was promptly complied with.
We shall commence necessary action for the enforcement of the fundamental rights of Offornedum Okafor, grossly violated by the Nigeria Police.
Justice can only be delayed but not denied.
Our Augustine Ezeokeke Esq., who successfully handled this case, received Offornedum along with his family members who were at hand to reunite with him.
To God alone shall all the glory be ascribed unto.
Let me use this medium to advise Umuchineke to discountenance rumor mongers who are at it again.
Please Note that ONYENDU Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was never poisoned in the facility of the S.S.S.
Ignore the mischief makers, please.
Routine visit was conducted today and those who visited including my junior collegue in Chambers, spent quality time with ONYENDU.
Thank you all and remain blessed.
Signed:
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC)
IPOB Lead Counsel.
28th July, 2022.
