By Our Correspondent
ABUJA — The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has called on the Imo State Government, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), human rights lawyers and civil society organisations to urgently intervene in the case of 89-year-old Pa Everestus Okereke and his son, Ugochukwu, who are reportedly facing execution after spending about a decade in custody.
In a statement signed by its President, Comr. Akpovoke Otiti, GOMEP-NG said the circumstances surrounding the case raise issues that require urgent legal and humanitarian attention.
According to media reports, Pa Okereke and his eldest son were sentenced to death by hanging in September 2022 over a 2016 incident in Imo State that reportedly resulted in the death of another man.
Reports further indicated that another son, who was allegedly involved in the confrontation, fled following the incident and has reportedly remained missing.
GOMEP-NG stressed that its intervention was not intended to undermine the judgment of the court or deny the family of the deceased their right to justice. Rather, the organisation urged the legal community to examine the circumstances of the case and determine whether all available legal remedies have been exhausted.
The Guild specifically appealed to the NBA to facilitate, where possible, an independent legal review of the case, including the charges against the two men, the evidence presented during trial, the court’s judgment and the status of any appeal.
It also urged human rights organisations and civil society advocates to take an interest in the matter, particularly in view of Pa Okereke’s advanced age.
The Guild noted that the 89-year-old reportedly entered custody at about 79 and has consequently spent approximately 10 years behind bars.
«“We are not asking for preferential treatment. We are asking for scrutiny, transparency, due process and access to justice,” GOMEP-NG said.»
The organisation also appealed to the Imo State Government and relevant justice authorities to urgently clarify the present legal status of the case and ensure that every lawful avenue available to the convicted persons is identified and exhausted before any irreversible action is taken.
GOMEP-NG emphasised that while the family of the deceased deserves justice, the constitutional and legal rights of persons facing a death sentence must equally be protected.
It therefore urged the NBA, human rights lawyers, civil society organisations and other legal advocacy groups to examine the available court records and, where legally justified, assist the affected persons in pursuing any remaining legal remedies.
The Guild also called for responsible media coverage of the matter, stressing that the public deserves accurate information about the circumstances surrounding the convictions and the current status of the case.
Discover more from NATIONAL BEAM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
