A coalition of youth organisations, in Enugu State, under the auspices of Enugu Youth Coalition for Good Governance, has condemned the ultimatum on the Enugu State Government for the release of three suspects being held over the murder of Mrs. Maria Amadi, former head of nursing services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu.

This is coming after a civil society group led by Mr. Igboke Onyebuchi threatened to embark on protest should the government not release the trio, who are colleagues of the deceased.

Igboke had anchored his stand on the claim that the three suspects have already been exonerated by the police, and the decision communicated to the Enugu State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

He said: “Enugu State Government should make public why they still kept the earlier accused in detention even when the Police who are legally responsible in apprehending and investigation of crime have made their report available for necessary actions.

“We the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations are giving Enugu State 2 weeks ultimatum to either make available their reason of continuous detention of this innocent persons even after the real culprit has been apprehended or we embark on a peaceful protest as injury to one remains injury to all.”

But in a statement on Friday by the coordinator of the youth coalition and the Executive Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, Comrade Paschal Ugwu, he disclosed that the murder case was in court and it would be subjudice for anyone to take another action.

Describing the 14-day ultimatum to the state government as baseless, diversionary and mere shadow-chasing, the youth group warned the purported CSOs to respect the rule of law and allow justice to take its course, adding that any attempt to divert attention and mischievously ridicule the state government’s commitment to justice will be firmly resisted.

The youth stated that that the “kangaroo ultimatum is the handiwork of those who are afraid of justice and have skeletons in their cupboards,” wondering why they should not allow the judiciary and the security agencies carry out their due responsibilities, according to the law and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The youth group warned the Igboke-led group to desist from any act that could undermine the existing peace and tranquility in the state.

According to the youth coalition, “Enugu youths view this latest show of shame by this concocted coalition of civil society organizations’ group being mischievously propelled by one Igboke Onyebuchi as a charade and a diversionary measure to evade justice – we cannot allow this to happen.

“We, therefore, warn the originators of this baseless ultimatum to allow justice to take its course and stop bringing Enugu State government into this matter as it is neither the judiciary nor the police that are prosecuting the murder case in a competent court of law. We urge the state government to remain focused and undaunted in its resolve to support and promote the course of justice in Enugu State.

“We support the demand for justice by the late Mrs. Amadi’s family, the members of National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Enugu State Chapter, including the Joint Health Sector Union and Association of Resident Doctors, among other concerned bodies and individuals.”

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