Samuel Abu, the lawyer representing the family of Joseph Okpe, a Lagos commercial bus driver allegedly beaten to death by Air Force officers, has questioned the Nigerian Air Force’s prolonged investigation into the incident, warning that any delay in justice could deepen the family’s pain and fuel suspicions of a cover-up.
Okpe, 43, was confirmed dead on May 9, a few hours after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of Air Force officers along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway following a minor traffic incident involving their vehicle.
The Nigerian Air Force, in a statement by its spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that all those involved in the incident had been detained and that the family had been visited.
Ejodame also told PUNCH Metro that “the case is currently under investigation by the appropriate civil and military authorities.”
Speaking during a telephone interview with PUNCH Metro on Thursday, Abu expressed frustration over the pace of the investigation, insisting that the military already had sufficient evidence to conclude its probe.
“Even though I cannot speak to what is causing the delay, as I am not privy to their internal arrangement, it is still unbelievable that an agency as big and sophisticated as the Nigerian Air Force is taking so long to complete an investigation.
“Considering their capacity and influence, I do not think it should be difficult for them to resolve, given all the documentary evidence and eyewitness reports at their disposal,” he said.
The lawyer further alleged that efforts were being made to frustrate attempts to ensure accountability.
He added, “If you look at the police, I have repeatedly requested that those involved be produced, but it appears efforts are being made to prevent the police from doing their job.
“When you consider everything together, it points to what appears to be a deliberate attempt to stall the investigation. I do not think anything is preventing them from acting.
“This is just my opinion, but it seems intentional, as though they are waiting to see whether the matter can be quietly covered up if the family does not continue to pursue it.”
Abu maintained that the purpose of any investigation was to establish whether there was a case to answer and argued that the evidence already available should be enough to reach that stage.
“With all the resources at their disposal and documentary evidence and eyewitness reports that we have on good authority that the NAF has obtained, the delay is unjustifiable, and the NAF risks being perceived as not taking the matter seriously or trying to sweep it under the carpet.
“None of which is good for the image of a prestigious and dignified agency like the Air Force. So we urge them to consider this and treat the matter with the urgency that it deserves,” he said.
“The incident has been life-changing for the family. It is sad that they are either not taking it seriously or are trying to sweep it under the carpet and move on.
“The family that has lost its breadwinner cannot simply move on from this. It is a tremendous loss — a loss that cannot be reversed.”
PUNCH Metro earlier reported that Okpe’s widow, Grace Joseph, accused the Nigerian Air Force of abandoning her family, saying she had not heard from its representatives since a condolence visit during which support was promised.
The mother of three said her children had continued to ask about their father, while the family struggles to cope with the loss of its breadwinner.
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