Wife of journalist killed by police demands justice for husband

Francisca Ogbu, the widow of the journalist who was shot dead by the police during a protest by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigerian (IMN), has cried out for justice for her late husband.

Alex Ogbu, who was a journalist with the Regent Africa Times Magazine, was covering the Shiite’s protest when he was shot in the head by the anti-riot policemen deployed to maintain law and order during the rally at Berger Roundabout, Abuja, on January 21 last year.

To mark the one year anniversary of her husband’s death, the woman said she would do everything to ensure that her late husband gets justice no matter what it takes.

The case the Ogbu’s family instituted came up for hearing at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, exactly one year after the journalist’s death.

READ ALSO: Nigerians react angrily over death of young journalist found dead after police arrest

The bereaved mother of one said: “The one-year journey has not been easy. I need to take care of my daughter’s education because she needs to get herself back. There is no support from anybody. The police had continued to delay the matter so I can give up on the case.

“I went to meet the FCT Commissioner of Police and he told me that the matter had been transferred to Inspector-General of Police and that it was no longer under his control.

“I also went to the Force Headquarters to see the IGP but they kept dribbling me left and right up till today. I will not give up in this fight even with my last drop of blood. I will not stop until I get justice and those who killed my husband are brought to book.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now