FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14th April 2026
BULLETS, EXTORTION & IMPUNITY: CEHRAWS DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR THE LATE MR. KELECHI EJIOFOR AND AN END TO MILITARY LAWLESSNESS IN ABIA STATE
The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) strongly condemns the tragic and unlawful killing of Mr. Kelechi Ejiofor, a truck driver allegedly shot by a military personnel stationed at Onion Market, Uratta Junction, along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State.
Eyewitness accounts, particularly that of the deceased’s motor boy (conductor), reveal a deeply disturbing pattern of recklessness, impunity, and utter disregard for the sanctity of human life. The victim was reportedly trailed by military personnel in a private vehicle over an alleged failure to pay an unlawful checkpoint levy.
Shockingly, without any attempt to verify the facts or adhere to established Rules of Engagement, one of the officers opened fire on the driver.
The victim was subsequently abandoned and later succumbed to his injuries. At no point did the personnel responsible, or any member of their team, reportedly show up during his hospitalization.
CEHRAWS acknowledges and commends the Abia State Government for its prompt expression of concern and its commitment, as contained in its official statement, to pursue a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into this unfortunate incident. We particularly note the assurance that justice will not only be pursued but will also be seen to be done. This is a reassuring step in the right direction and reflects the Government’s willingness to uphold the rule of law and restore public confidence.
However, beyond assurances, it is imperative that these commitments are matched with swift, concrete, and visible actions to ensure accountability and deterrence.
CEHRAWS notes that the actions described constitute a flagrant breach of the following extant laws:
✓ Section 33(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which guarantees the right to life and prohibits unlawful deprivation thereof.
✓ Section 34(1), which safeguards the dignity of the human person and prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment.
✓ The Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, which regulates the conduct of military personnel and does not authorise extrajudicial killings or the extortion of civilians.
✓ The Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, which criminalises the unlawful use of firearms outside legally permissible circumstances.
✓ The Abia State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law (VAPP Law), 2019, which prohibits acts of violence against individuals, including those perpetrated by persons in positions of authority.
It is settled law that wearing a uniform does not place any officer above the law. The doctrine of command responsibility equally raises serious concerns regarding the accountability of superior officers under whose authority such acts occur.
This tragic killing appears not to be an isolated incident but part of a disturbing and recurring pattern of alleged extortion, harassment, and brutality by security operatives across the Southeast, particularly in Abia State. There have been persistent reports of motorists being forced to part with money under duress, harassed for trivial or non-existent infractions, and subjected to degrading treatment, including being assaulted for merely using a mobile phone while in transit. Such conduct creates the false impression that civilians are living in a conflict zone rather than in a constitutional democracy.
The Southeast is not a war zone, and Abia State must not be treated as an occupied territory.
In light of the foregoing, CEHRAWS hereby calls for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the killing of Mr. Kelechi Ejiofor, with a view to identifying and prosecuting all officers found culpable. We also demand the prompt public disclosure of the identities of the officers involved, including their commanding officers, as well as the dismantling or strict regulation of illegal checkpoint operations, particularly those serving as avenues for extortion.
Furthermore, the Abia State Government, in collaboration with relevant federal authorities, should establish a multi-stakeholder oversight and accountability committee comprising civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association, security agencies, and community representatives to monitor, document, and ensure the prosecution of human rights violations by security operatives. Adequate compensation must also be provided to the family of the deceased, in line with both domestic laws and international human rights standards.
The primary responsibility of the government, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, is the security and welfare of the people. While the Government’s initial response is commendable, it must now rise beyond declarations to decisive action that will reassure citizens that their lives are not at the mercy of armed operatives. Failure to rein in rogue elements within the security architecture not only erodes public trust but also risks pushing citizens toward self-help, with grave consequences for law and order.
A stitch in time saves nine.
CONCLUSION
CEHRAWS stands in solidarity with the people of Abia State and the Southeast at large in demanding an end to this culture of impunity. Justice for Mr. Kelechi Ejiofor is not optional; it is both a legal obligation and a moral imperative.
We will continue to monitor developments closely and pursue all lawful avenues to ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied.
Signed:
Okoye, Chuka Peter
Executive Director, CEHRAWS
cehraws@gmail.com | +234(0)808-035-1242 (WhatsApp only)
Facebook: @cehraws
