Murder attempt: Traditional rulers council confident of suspects’ arrest, prosecution

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By Daniel Abia, P/Harcourt

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The council of traditional rulers in Khana local government area of Rivers state has raised the alarm over what it claimed to be a sponsored protest by some persons in the area to cover up the ongoing investigation of attempted assassination on the life of His Majesty, King Suanu Baridam.

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A statement from the palace of the King who is also the chairman of Khana traditional rulers council on Sunday said it was curious that certain individuals have become apprehensive whenever suspects linked to the attempted assassination of the King are arrested and interrogated by security agencies. “We therefore ask a simple question: Why are some persons uncomfortable with the arrest of criminal suspects and the continuation of police investigations?”

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The statement went on to say that while the investigations into the attempted assassination are still ongoing, security agencies have already made arrests in connection with the attack, and some of the suspects have reportedly made confessional statements that have assisted investigators in tracking some persons.

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The Palace stated that criminal investigations are guided by evidence and intelligence, not by community affiliation, political considerations, or personal sentiments. “It does not matter whether a suspect comes from Taabaa, Sogho, Okwale, or any other community. If evidence links any individual to the attempted murder of His Majesty, security agencies have a constitutional responsibility to investigate and take appropriate action”.

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It noted that distance or location will not shield any criminal suspect from investigation and prosecution. “Even if any individual linked to the crime is located in Sokoto, the United States, the United Kingdom, or any other part of the world, security agencies possess the expertise, legal framework, and inter-agency cooperation mechanisms required to track, apprehend, and bring such suspects to justice. Therefore, no person should assume that geographical distance or relocation can serve as a barrier to ongoing investigations or the pursuit of justice”.

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The statement which was signed by the media consultant to the King’s palace, Dr. Domene Mea said the Palace rejects any attempt to portray lawful investigations as persecution or harassment, adding that “the attack on His Majesty was not a minor incident. It was a coordinated and violent attack allegedly aimed at taking the life of a foremost traditional ruler between Sogho and Taabaa communities. Such a serious crime cannot and should not be ignored.

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“We also wish to assure the peace-loving people of Taabaa that His Majesty has no personal dispute with the community. Likewise, the Ancient Bangha Kingdom maintains cordial and longstanding relationships with families, leaders, and residents of Taabaa Community.

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“The issue at hand is not a conflict between communities. Rather, it is a criminal investigation aimed at identifying and prosecuting those responsible for an attempt on the life of a traditional ruler. Innocent citizens have absolutely nothing to fear from a lawful and professional investigation.

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“The Palace recognizes and appreciates the many responsible and law-abiding citizens of Taabaa who continue to cooperate with security agencies and support efforts to rid Ogoniland of criminal elements, illegal weapons, and violent activities that threaten peace and development.

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“We therefore urge members of the public not to be distracted by sponsored campaigns, misleading narratives, or protests intended to undermine confidence in the ongoing investigation. Justice must be allowed to take its full course”.

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The statement called on all well-meaning citizens of Ogoniland to support the efforts of security agencies, local government authorities, the Rivers State Government, and the Federal Government in the collective fight against criminality.

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