The Ogwashi-Uku Town Union (OTU) has expressed grave concern over the release of individuals accused of serious crimes, warning that their freedom has directly led to violent crimes, including the brutal murder of innocent community members in Otulu Ogwashi-Uku.
In a statement issued on February 13, 2025 and signed by Mr. Nkem Charles, the union highlighted the tragic consequences of what it described as judicial recklessness, following the release of high-risk suspects despite formal warnings.
The OTU specifically cited a letter dated July 12, 2024, in which it urged the judiciary to deny bail to certain individuals due to the serious nature of their offenses.
However, Justice Flora Azinge of Court 4, Delta State High Court, Asaba, proceeded to grant bail under what the union described as questionable conditions.
“The consequences of this decision have been dire. Two members of our community have been murdered in cold blood, including a retired military officer who served Nigeria with honour and distinction,” the statement read.
According to the union, the suspects in question had previously been declared wanted by the Nigeria Police after extensive investigations.
One of them, Christopher Nduka Odiakose, was allegedly apprehended in Agbor and was already on the Delta State Security Council’s watchlist. Despite these serious charges, he was granted bail based on very easy bail conditions.
The union further alleged that law enforcement efforts were obstructed when officers from the Federal Intelligence Department (FID) attempted to arrest Odiakose at Court 4 in Asaba last year on gun-running charges.
Following his escape, Odiakose reportedly went on to commit more crimes, reinforcing fears about the obstruction of justice.
The seriousness of these cases was further highlighted by the recent conviction and sentencing to death of one of the suspects, Samson Eleme, by Justice C.D. Diai.
The town union, OTU, has requested to the Chief Judge for the cases before Hon Justice Azinge to be transferred to other courts, for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the obstruction of the arrest of the suspect by court officials and for enhanced security measures by the police and state government for Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
The OTU emphasized its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the safety of residents, urging authorities to take decisive action to restore public confidence in the judicial system and bring perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice.
