The family of Assistant Superintendent of Police, Hezekiah Abiona, who was fatally stabbed by two naval ratings in Satellite Town, Lagos State, has accused officials of the Nigerian Navy of abandoning them in their quest for justice. It was reported , the incident took place when Onyekachi Egwin and Nnamani Anointing, both naval ratings in civilian clothing and riding a motorcycle, were signaled to stop by Abiona and his colleagues on Oluti Street, Satellite Town.The encounter between the police officers and the naval ratings escalated into a heated argument, which eventually turned into a physical altercation. During the altercation that took place on December 3, 2022, the naval ratings allegedly stabbed Abiona, leading to his untimely death. Following the incident, the Lagos State Police Command promptly apprehended the suspects and took them into custody.In an interview with our correspondent, Benjamin, the son of the late Abiona and a final year student at Tai Solarin University of Education, expressed his disappointment with the Nigerian Navy’s lack of acknowledgment and support towards his family, as they dealt with the traumatic ordeal caused by the loss of his father.He expressed his frustration, stating that the Nigerian Navy had completely abandoned them. Despite the tragic incident where the two naval ratings attacked and killed their father, the Navy had not paid them a condolence visit or provided any assistance to him and his siblings. The lack of support from the Navy added to their distress and sense of abandonment.Benjamin expressed his disappointment and sorrow over the lack of concern shown by the naval officers. He revealed that to this day, his mother continues to cry as the naval officers have not shown any concern or sent a delegation to the family. It feels as if their father’s life was taken insignificantly, as if it were just a fowl. The family is still deeply traumatized by the incident, and they feel abandoned as nobody has reached out to offer support. Benjamin also mentioned that he and his siblings are all still in school, but nobody has inquired about their well-being or offered assistance during this difficult time.Benjamin recounted his experience during the investigation, stating that he saw the suspects at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba. However, after the police handed over the suspects to the Nigerian Navy for prosecution, there has been no update or progress on the case. The family has been left in the dark, with no information or communication regarding the legal proceedings. The lack of updates has added to their frustration and sense of abandonment in seeking justice for their late father.Expressing his grievances, Benjamin emphasized the family’s demand for justice in light of the Nigerian Navy’s abandonment. He firmly stated that he wants justice for his late father and urged that the suspects should not be shielded or hidden. He expressed concern over the lack of progress in the case, which gives the impression that the suspects are being protected. The family seeks transparency and accountability in ensuring that the responsible individuals are held accountable for their actions.Benjamin expressed his frustration with the prolonged duration of the case, highlighting that more than six months have passed since the incident occurred. He strongly emphasized the family’s demand for the naval ratings to be charged and held accountable for their crime. Benjamin also shared his father’s commendable achievements as a police officer, mentioning that he was recognized and rewarded by the former governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, for his integrity and successful recovery of a significant amount of money. These achievements further underscore the importance of seeking justice for his father’s tragic death.Esther, the wife of the late Hezekiah Abiona, expressed her deep sorrow and shared the challenges she has faced since her husband’s tragic death. Overwhelmed with emotions, she revealed that she has been left to face the hardships of life alone. Providing food and education for her five children has become an enormous struggle.
She pleaded for a response and assistance from the authorities, stating that she hopes both the concerned individuals and the government can support her children, who are still young. Esther requested that the children be offered scholarships, as it would greatly alleviate their burdens and provide them with a chance at a better future.When contacted, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Navy, acknowledged that the case was still ongoing. He mentioned that he would reach out to the legal department to gather information on the progress of the case. He assured that once he had obtained all the necessary facts, he would provide an update by returning the call.
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