The Osuagwu family of Obollo in Mbano, Imo State, has submitted a petition to the Human Rights Commission, urging an investigation into the alleged murder of Mr. Peter Osuagwu and his wife, Franca, while in custody. The couple was arrested on suspicion of being commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The family’s petition alleges that their son, Chibuzor, and his friend were killed and burned in Ossomala, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State. Peter and Franca were reportedly arrested at Peter’s fish farm in Ossomala by a joint team of police, navy, and the Department of State Services (DSS). This arrest occurred two weeks after an attack on US Embassy officials, which was allegedly prompted by a petition instigated by a former police officer.
In the petition, the Osuagwu family has requested the Human Rights Commission to investigate the following:
1. The alleged murder of Peter and Franca Osuagwu.
2. The police officers who purportedly withdrew all the funds from Mr. Peter’s bank account and the location where this was done.
3. The possibility of body parts being harvested from the corpses of Peter and Franca Osuagwu.
The family expressed concerns about the safety of Peter’s five surviving children, who are teenagers and allegedly facing threats from unidentified individuals. They claimed that the children have been relocated across different states to avoid harm and are no longer attending school. The family also alleged that a former police officer has vowed to eliminate all members of Peter’s family.
The Osuagwu family accused the Anambra Police Command, along with the DSS, of attempting to cover up the arrest and subsequent murder of Peter and Franca Osuagwu. They claim that the individuals responsible for the arrest and murder are being protected by authorities in Anambra State.
The petition seeks a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest, detention, and alleged murder of the couple, as well as measures to ensure the safety of the surviving children.
