Court Orders Arrest of Ex Naka DPO
Prosper Okoye
A Makurdi Chief Magistrate court, Presided over by Chief Magistrate V.T Kor, has today, Jan.13, 2022, issued an order of warrant, to arrest the former Naka Divisional Police Officer, Boniface Idegun, for refusing to attend court hearing, after been dully served with the processes commencing court action.
Speaking to the reporter shortly after the court session, head of the complainant legal team and President of Tyoshin Jurist, Barrister ST. Anagbe, said DPO Boniface Idegun, some time late last year, had assaulted the District Head of Mbabuande Council Ward of Gwer West Local Government Area , Chief Richard Mkem.
“We the Lawyers from Tyoshin extraction, perceive the assault on our chief, as an assualt on the entire Tyosin People, and we have decided to follow this matter untill justice is served,” he said.
He also expressed optimism that the DPO Will be arrested, and brought to court, as “he is not above the law.”
Chief Richard Mkem also narrated the incident that had transpired, on the day the DPO had allegedly assulted him.
“I had gone to the Naka Police Division, after some police men had arrested some people in the clinic for alledgedly stealing drugs, of which my wife was also arrested.
And also being the chairman of the committee in charge of the clinic welfare, I had to know what had happened.” He began.
As I and my other council chiefs arrived, we met a police officer on duty, who told us that ‘they had finished doing their investigations, and are going back to the clinic to do some fact findings’.
We thanked him and sat down at the verandah of the station. After a while, a man wearing mufti walked up to us, and asked ‘what we are here for?’
I thought before I should answer him, I should start with a proper introduction, so he does not assume we are common criminals, who just came to the station.
As I mentioned that “my name is Chief Richard Mkem” the man became angry. He started yelling at me. He said, “because you are Chief and I am a DPO you can not greet me.”
I tried to explain to him that I didn’t recognize him, peharps he is not on uniform.
He became more infuriated, “and slapped me”. Chief Mkem told the reporter.
The Chief also said DPO Boniface went into his office and brought out a gun threatening to shoot him.
“He brought his gun and shot it on the air, I became afraid. He said, ‘since my people he arrested are thieves, that I am also a thief.’ ”
“It took the intervention of another senior chief to calm him down, yet he was adamant. He entered his vehicle and drove off. The Chief added.
Leader of proactive Tyosin sons and daughters group, Abam Nicodemus , says “the DPO is notorious for many unprofessional Police misconducts.”
“The Chief is someone I have known from childhood, and we all respect him for his decent character.
That is why we the Youth of Tyosin, have strongly condemned the actions of the DPO.
“We had earlier gone on a peaceful protest to express our grievance to the Benue State Commisioner of Police, and we believe this why the DPO had been transferred from the Naka Police Division.
“But, this is not what we have asked for. We want justice to take its full course on him.” He asserted.
The case has been moved by the Chief Magistrate, to Feb. 2, 2022, for further mention.
A very good step taken by my senior Mr. Abam Nick. Some people served and cry for opportunities when it’s given to them they forget soon. He should come and complete what he started.
A good one.
He should be taught a lesson that will bring his senses back.