The Anambra State Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD), has called on the State Commissioner of Police to investigate the alleged murder and setting ablaze of a visually impaired man, Mr Mmaduabuchi Nnofu by his younger brother, Mr Onyedika Nnofu.
The late Mmaduabuchi, aged 47, a native of Eziagulu village in Ekwulobia community, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, was said to have been murdered and set ablaze by the brother on Sunday.
TNC correspondent gathered that the deceased, who is the JONAPWD Chairman in Aguata LGA, had been in disagreement with the prime suspect over a parcel of land which was allegedly given to him by their father.
The Anambra JONAPWD Chairman, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke who spoke with our correspondent in Ekwulobia, said sources revealed that the late Mmaduabuchi was at home relaxing when the suspect came in with weapons and killed him before setting him ablaze within the compound.
He confirmed the reports that the deceased was murdered over a family land which had been duly assigned to him by their late father, but regretted the non-challant attitude of the family towards resolving the matter that eventually resulted in the latest development.
“Late Mmaduabuchi, while alive, confided in us that the land in question was willed to him by their late father, who also willed another one behind his to the prime suspect.
“He also told us that his brother since then had tried all he could to take over the land by force for sale.
“The prime suspect had approached Aguata Customary Court, which in its wisdom, urged them to settle the issue out of court.
“They were still waiting to settle the case out of court only for us to hear the news that the suspect allegedly walked into his compound last Sunday and gruesomely murdered him,” Comrade Okeke regretted.
He said the JONAPWD believes that this evil act was perpetrated on its member because he was blind and helpless.
“Mmaduabuchi was killed because his sibling saw him as nobody or disabled especially because he was blind and unmarried.
“This negates his rights as a human being as upheld by the United Nations Charter; Article 15 and Section 21(1b) of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law (2018), and Sections 33 and 43 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“Therefore, we are demanding for justice for late Mmaduabuchi.
“Justice is necessary to prevent a repeat of this man’s inhumanity to man on our members or any other person anywhere in Nigeria.
“The JONAPWD in Anambra is appealing to the Nigerian Police Force, Anambra State Command to arrest the prime suspect, conduct investigation into the matter and charge him and other possible conspirators to court accordingly.
“We also want the Anambra State Government, the international community, civil society organisations and other relevant bodies to kindly wade into this ugly incident to bring lasting justice to our member,” he appealed.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, Tochukwu Ikenga said the suspect is now in police custody.
A text message he wrote on our correspondent’s inquiry read; “The Anambra State Police Command today 31/1/2022 wishes to inform the general public, especially Anambrarians, that the suspect who allegedly murdered and set ablaze, one Mr Maduabuchi Nnofu at Eziagulu village in Ekwulobia has been arrested and now in custody.
“The suspect, Mr Onyedika Philip Nnofu is currently undergoing interrogation in Police custody.
“Preliminary information reveals that the brothers were having issues over land.
“The Commissioner of Police CP Echeng Echeng has sued for calm and assures a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“Further details shall be communicated please.”
