Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), has said he will order an independent inquiry into how a former Chief Protocol Officer to the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Desmond Nunugwo, died in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. He also promised that he will no allow the inquest to be compromised.
Desmond reportedly died on June 9, 2016, barely six hours after he was arrested by the EFCC for his role in an alleged N91m fraud. The family of the deceased however denies the allegation, saying he was arrested unjustly.
Lawyer of deceased’s family, Mr. Paul Edeh on Monday led relatives of the victim to the Ministry of Justice where Malami condoled with them.
He described Desmond’s death as a big loss. He had served meritoriously under four former ministers.
Malami said, “I will give direction for investigations to commence immediately. I will also demand explanations from the EFCC to furnish me with the details of the case. It is the responsibility of every government agency to protect the sanctity of lives. As the chief law officer of the country, I will not compromise investigations.”
Desmond’s widow, Susanne, who thanked the minister, told the sad stroy of how her husband was arrested without the knowledge of relatives and held incommunicado for several hours.
According to her, she had not been able to see the corpse of her husband since his death two months ago.
The minister assured her he would speak with the relevant authorities so that the family be given unfettered access to the corpse.
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