Delta Chief Judge Vow To Bring To Book Killers Of Lawyer, Kennedy Nwashindi Ofuezuem Anni

The Chief Judge of Delta state, Justice Marshal Umukoro, has
vowed to bring to justice those behind the gruesome murder of
Kennedy Nwashindi Ofuezuem Anni Esq.

Justice Umukoro made the declaration at the valedictory special
court session in honour of Barr. Anni, an Asaba based Legal
Practitioner who was adopted on the 16th of April, 2019 and
subsequently murdered by his abductors after paying the demanded
ransom.

The Chief Judge who was represented by Justice T. O. Diai
condemned in strongest terms the gruesome murder of the late Legal
Practitioner, saying that the murder of Barr. Anni, has brought to
the front burner of national discourse the heinous crime of
kidnapping and murder, which has assumed a terrifying resurgence
and dimensions in recent times.

He observed: “The mounting appetite of our youth for these
crimes is alarming and it is not unconnected with the
get-rich-quick syndrome that has become so pervasive in our society
today.

“The syndrome has lamentably infiltrated our families, our
educational system, our state institutions, the corridors of power
and even our churches and mosques,” he said.

The number one Judicial Officer who called for a state of
emergency against get-rich-quick syndrome, described late Barrister
Ofuezuem as an achiever who enjoyed illustrious career as a legal
practitioner and religious minister despite his abrupt
departure.

The Chief Judge disclosed that the Judiciary was not resting on
its oars in tackling the menace of rising crime in the society, as
it has facilitated criminal justice reforms.

According to him, some of the initiatives taken by Judiciary
towards a more effective and efficient criminal justice system in
the state included creation of additional Criminal Divisions of the
state High Court, deliberate effort to implement sections 251, 252
and 254 of the Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Law
2017 ( ACJ ), providing for witness claims, and granting special
administrative permission to Police and Department of State
Services to file affidavits and processes pertaining to criminal
cases being investigated or prosecuted without need to pay filing
fees out of their own pocket.

The Solicitor General and functioning permanent secretary
Ministry of Justice, Mr. N.D.F. Momah, Chike Onyemenam Senior
Advocate of Nigeria, and chairman Nigerian Bar Association, NBA
Asaba branch, Barrister Freddie Eruli-Ede paid glowing tribute to
the Late Ofuezuem, describing him as honest, reliable legal
practitioner and perfect gentleman.

They charged security agents to beef up security in the state,
and arrest and prosecute perpetrators of the dastard act even as
they noted that there was nexus between corruption, unemployment,
poverty and crime.

Judges, members of the Nigerian Bar Association, legislators
including the member representing Oshimili North Constituency in
State House of Assembly, Honourable Princess Pat Ajudua were
sympathizers present to pay last respect to the deceased.

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