Police killed my son over N100 bribe — Widow cries Commission of Inquiry

Mrs Mfon Udoidiong, a widow, has cried out to the Commission of Inquiry that a policeman, Mr Idongesit Ekanem killed her son over N100 on Sept. 9, 2017.

Udoidiong, a petty trader from Nkek, Ukanafun  Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom made the disclosure at the resumption from  Christmas break of the Panel of Investigation on Incidences of Police Brutality, headed by Justice Ifiok Ukana (rtd), at High Court Complex in Uyo on Thursday,

She said her son, late Mr Imo Udoidiong came home from Uyo city Polytechnic, where he attended school and decided to visit a viewing center.

“After some hours his friend came to announce that my son was shot dead by a police officer who demanded money from him.

“The family of Idongesit Ekanem,  the police officer involved only supported me with N200, 000 to buy a coffin and bury my son”. Udoidiong said

She added that since then, she has been neglected and the police has not shown concern.

“Family of the police officer promised to give me N1, 000, 000 for me to move on with my life. But till today nobody has given me anything apart from that N200,000 they gave me to buy a coffin to bury my son,” she said.

An eyewitness,  a mechanic engineer, Mr. Ubong Monday told the panel that the deceased was his classmate in secondary school, whom he met on his way to buy spare parts.

Monday said that late Udoidiong asked for an assistant to reach where he was going since he was using a motorcycle.

“Close to Ukanafun stadium, some policemen stopped us and demanded for N100 before we could pass.

“We told them that we do not have money to give, and my friend went down from the motorcycle to meet the leader of the patrol in their vehicle for an explanation.

“Then the Senior officer told them to allow us to pass. When Udoidiong tried to climb the bike,  Ekanem (the suspect) came with his friend and attack him with sticks for reporting him.

“Not satisfied, Ekanem went and brought a gun, cork it and shot Udoidiong who died instantly.

“When queried on why he shot the victim at the police station in Ukanafun, Ekanem said it was an accidental discharge,” he said.

Counsel to the petitioner, Mr Augustine Udoh, on his part  prayed the court to drag the suspected police who was said to have been dismissed from service to appear for questioning on the matter.

Meanwhile the panel has  adjourned the case to Jan. 21, for further hearing. (ily Independent)