John Otega, a Nigerian lawyer, is grappling with the heartbreaking loss of his childhood friend, Christopher Igbru, whom he alleges was tragically killed during a gun battle between the police and suspected kidnappers in Warri, Delta State.
The Delta State Police Command, as reported by DSP Bright Edafe, the spokesperson of the command, claimed last week that their officers had fatally shot a notorious 32-year-old kidnapper and armed robber named Momotimi, along with three members of his criminal gang on September 27, 2023.
The police statement further implicated one of the suspects as a POS operator, alleging that he had provided crucial information to Momotimi about potential kidnap victims.
However, in a heartfelt Facebook post on Saturday, September 30, the lawyer vehemently refuted these allegations, asserting that his late friend was an honest POS operator who had no knowledge of Momotimi's criminal activities when providing financial services.
Otega also disclosed that both Momotimi and Christopher had grown up on the same street, emphasizing the close ties they shared.
Expressing his frustration with the police, Otega criticized the authorities for not affording his friend the opportunity to defend himself before being fatally shot in what he described as a 'commando defense-like system' after being labeled a criminal.
On Facebook, Otega wrote, "You are my brother, my friend, client, and close confidant. We were in the suburbs together in our childhood years. We grew up together, I saw you hustle as much as myself."
"My mother was a teacher and she taught me to go to school. Yours wasn’t, you didn’t go to school. So, it is expected that when you began your POS business after a car wash trial; you didn’t know the kind of friends to avoid because sometimes in lending financial transactions to criminals you could be labeled easily as one of them, especially in this crazy country where nobody wants to work, and everyone is looking for a quick resolution of criminal investigations."
"The Nigerian Police did not give you a chance to explain your innocence before summarily executing you in the glory hour of having brought the kidnapper Emomotimi (who grew up in the same street as me and you) to justice."
"Upon your arrest, you asked the simple logical question that every illiterate poor Nigerian always asks; 'officer Wetin I do?' As I write this piece with hot tears, I have mixed feelings about Nigeria, Justice, Poverty, Illiteracy, Extra Judicial Killing, and the reality of underdevelopment of this nation called Nigeria."
"My brother 'Smallee,' sorry I was not there when you needed me most as a lawyer. Sorry that the Police have killed you without proper investigation and allowing the world to hear your side of the story. They quickly shot you and in a commando defense-like system; labeled you 'a POS operator who rendered services (and info) to Emomotimi, claiming that they were attacked and shot back, wherein you were hit in crossfire. Was it not some weeks back that I also cried for the senseless murder of a senior police officer?"
"The greatest lesson I have learnt from your death is that no child should be left without proper education and fatherly guidance. My condolences to members of your immediate family. May God forgive us and not allow your innocent blood to count against gullible Nigerians. Adieu Christopher Igbru, Blacky….Smallee!!!! Rest in Perfect Peace Brother."
