A 65-year-old widow from Nkek in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, said a policeman killed her son for his inability to give him N100 on September 9, 2017.
Mrs Mfon Udoidiong made the revelation at the resumption of a two-week break of the Judicial Panel of Investigation on Incidence of Police Brutality at High Court Complex in Uyo.
Udoidiong, a petty trader, said her son, Mr Imo Udoidiong came home from Uyo City Polytechnic where he schooled and decided to visit a viewing center.
According to her, she said after some hours his friend came to announce that her son was shot dead by a police officer, Mr Idongesit Ekanem who demanded money from him but he did not oblige.
Udoidiong said the family of the police officer involved, only supported her with N200,000 to buy coffin and bury the son, adding that since then she was neglected and the police had not shown concern.
“Family of the police officer promised to give me N1,000,0000 for me to move on with my life. But till today nobody has given me anything.
“They (family of the suspect) only gave me N200,000 to buy coffin to bury my son.’’
Automobile mechanic, Mr Ubong Monday who was an eyewitness told the panel that the deceased was his classmate in secondary whom he met on his way to buy spare part.
Monday narrated that the late Udoidiong asked for financial assistance to reach where he was going since he was using a motorcycle.
He said “Close to Ukanafun Sports Stadium, some policemen stopped us and demanded for N100 before we could pass.
“We told them that we do not have money to give. My friend went down from the motorcycle to meet the leader of the patrol in their vehicle for explanation.
“Then the Senior officer told them to allow us to pass. When Udoidiong tried to climb the motorcycle, Ekanem (the suspect) came with his friend and attack him with sticks for reporting him.
“Not satisfied, Ekanem went and brought a gun, corked it and shot Udoidiong who died instantly.
“When queried on why he shot the victim at the police station in Ukanafun, Ekanem said it was an accidental discharge,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Counsel to the petitioner, Mr Augustine Udoh has prayed the court to drag the suspected police who was said to have been dismissed from service to appear for questioning on the matter.
However, the panel headed by Justice Ifiok Ukana adjourned the case to January 21, 2021 for further hearing.
