The Delta State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Anthony Orhorhoro, has reacted to the concerns raised by the family of one late Inspector Itobi Green, who was brutally murdered by an armed robbery gang in Delta State.
Inspector Green, along with his colleague, Inspector Bienowu Richard, was violently attacked and robbed of multiple AK-47 rifles.
Despite compelling evidence, including witness statements and the recovery of firearms from his residence, Chief Hyacinth Okolie was released following the Delta State Ministry of Justice’s decision to enter a nolle prosequi, thereby discontinuing the prosecution against him.
Chief Hyacinth Okolie, a prominent figure in the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, was initially arrested in connection with the crime.
Mr. Anthony Orhorhoro, the Director of Public Prosecutions, responded to an inquiry from our correspondent, stating that there was no prima facie case against Chief Hyacinth Okolie that warranted prosecution.
Adding that those alleging that Okolie was guilty of wrongdoing should reinvestigate their facts.
However, when our correspondent reminded him that charges had already been filed against Chief Okolie under Charge No. A/71/2018, indicating that a prima facie case had indeed been established, Mr. Anthony Orhorhoro ceased communication and directed the reporter to the Commissioner for Justice.
Attempts to reach the Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ekemejero Ohwovoriole SAN were unsuccessful as he did not answer calls placed to his line.
Our correspondent has been unable to get a clear response as to why the Ministry of Justice terminated the prosecution of the suspect.
Two weeks prior, the Green family presented their grievances to federal authorities during a meeting in Abuja. They accused the Delta State Ministry of Justice of prematurely releasing Chief Hyacinth Okolie, who was arrested alongside other members of the gang.
The family maintains that Chief Okolie was identified as the mastermind and leader of the gang, with substantial evidence, including witness testimonies and the recovery of firearms from his home during a police raid.
According to a police investigation report (Reference AB: 4099/DTS/X/D13/VOL 3 dated 30th July 2018) prepared by then-Deputy Commissioner of Police (now AIG) Wale Abass, a nine-man armed robbery gang attacked and robbed Sgt. Ayo Fidelis and Cpl. Daniel Gana of two AK-47 rifles (breach numbers 09981 and 19874) containing fifty-nine rounds of live ammunition on 13th July 2018 and 16th July 2018. The gang also robbed Sgt. Godwin John of an assault rifle (breach number 07015337) with twenty-four rounds of live ammunition at Rain Oil Petroleum along the Benin-Asaba road. Furthermore, Inspector Green, Sgt. Yakubu Mallam, and Inspector Bienowu Richard were attacked and robbed of two AK-47 rifles, one with breach number 0887722 and another without a breach number.
Tragically, Inspector Green was fatally stabbed multiple times by the assailants.
The investigation, conducted by the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crimes Squad (SAKCCS), the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS), and the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), resulted in the arrest of several suspects.
The family of Inspector Green remains deeply troubled by the nolle prosequi decision. They allege foul play and are calling for a thorough investigation by the Federal Government.
Elder Solomon Green, representing the family, has vowed to pursue justice relentlessly, condemning the release of Chief Okolie despite clear evidence and confessions implicating him as the gang leader.
Elder Solomon emphasized that a nolle prosequi does not equate to an acquittal, and he urged that the charges be reinstated.
