On Tuesday, the Delta State High Court in Asaba sentenced Inspector Ubi Ebri of the Nigeria Police Force to death on a charge of murder. Presiding over the court, Justice C.D. Diai found Inspector Ebri guilty of killing a phone dealer named Onyeka Ibeh.
The tragic incident took place on April 5, 2023. Onyeka Ibeh, a well-known phone dealer in Asaba, was driving with his wife from Ugbolu to Asaba when they were stopped by a police team for a routine search. Ibeh complied and waited patiently to be searched. However, after a long wait with no police officer attending to them, Ibeh decided to drive on. This action enraged Inspector Ebri, who responded by opening fire on the vehicle. The bullet struck Ibeh in the head, killing him instantly. Miraculously, Ibeh’s wife, who was sitting in the front seat, was not injured.
The shocking nature of the incident sparked outrage in the community. Youths took to the streets of Asaba in protest, demanding justice for Ibeh. They marched to the police headquarters, insisting that the officer responsible for the killing be held accountable. The protests highlighted the deep frustration and anger within the community over police brutality and the need for justice.
The case against Inspector Ebri was meticulously handled by the prosecution, led by E.H. Edema, a Director in the Ministry of Justice. Speaking to journalists after the court’s verdict, Edema described the judgement as a significant milestone. “Today’s judgement is a landmark because justice has been served for the deceased and for the society at large,” Edema stated. He emphasized that the ruling was a crucial step in ensuring that law enforcement officers are held accountable for their actions and that justice prevails for victims of police misconduct.
The court’s decision was met with a sense of relief and vindication by the family of the deceased. Ifeanyi Ibeh, Onyeka’s older brother, attended the court proceedings and expressed his satisfaction with the judgement. He praised the court for delivering justice to his family and acknowledged the efforts of the prosecution in securing the conviction. Ifeanyi’s comments underscored the importance of the verdict not only for his family but also for the broader community affected by the tragic loss of Onyeka.
Inspector Ebri’s conviction and sentencing are seen as a critical message to the police force and the community. It underscores the principle that those who are entrusted with upholding the law must also be subject to it. The verdict aims to deter future incidents of police brutality and to restore public confidence in the justice system.
The court’s ruling also reflects the growing demands for police reform in Nigeria. Incidents of police brutality have been a major concern across the country, leading to widespread calls for accountability and reforms within the police force. The #EndSARS movement, which gained international attention in 2020, highlighted these issues and pushed for significant changes in how the police operate. Inspector Ebri’s conviction is a reminder of the ongoing challenges and the need for continuous efforts to address police misconduct.
As the community in Asaba reflects on the outcome of this case, there is a collective hope that it will lead to meaningful change. The death of Onyeka Ibeh serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance in ensuring that those who are meant to protect and serve do so with integrity and respect for human life.
The Delta State High Court’s decision to sentence Inspector Ubi Ebri to death for the murder of Onyeka Ibeh marks a crucial moment in the pursuit of justice. It highlights the importance of accountability within the police force and serves as a powerful statement against police brutality. The ruling is a testament to the tireless efforts of the prosecution and the resilience of a community determined to seek justice for one of their own. As the legal proceedings come to an end, the impact of this landmark judgement will likely resonate across Nigeria, reinforcing the imperative for a just and fair society where the rule of law prevails.