Davidson Iriekpen
6 July 2009
Lagos — Three human rights organizations have called on the Lagos State government to review and immediately strengthen the protection measures provided for the Chief Pathologist at the state University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Professor John Obafunwa, his family and other witnesses involved in the coroner inquest currently before the Yaba Magistrate's Court who may be at risk.
The inquest is examining the circumstances that led to the death of Mr. Abayomi Ogundeji, a member of the editorial board of THISDAY Newspapers, who was killed on August 17, 2008 in Lagos.
The organizations - Amnesty International, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Nigeria Bar Association Human Rights Institute - in a joint statement issued yesterday, said the measures should continue after the outcome of the inquest when individuals could still be at risk of retaliatory violence.
"The organizations call on the Lagos State authorities to review and strengthen immediately the protection measures being provided to Professor Obafunwa and his family, other witnesses and others involved in the inquest who may be at risk. These measures should continue after the outcome of the inquest when individuals could still be at risk of retaliatory violence," the statement said.
The bodies noted that it was essential that the national justice system provided for comprehensive protection and support services conducted by persons with expertise in the field.
The organisations stated that the measures should continue after the outcome of the inquest when individuals could still be at risk of retaliatory violence.
Following a revelation that a key witness in the murder Ogundeji, identified as Tunmise, had been assassinated, Prof Obafunwa, a witness, had expressed concern over the safety of his life and property.
Tunmise was allegedly assassinated by unknown gunmen in Shagamu area of Ogun State.
The organizations said it should be clear who would be responsible for their protection and support and their expertise to perform such functions, adding that it was necessary to ensure that effective systems were in place to provide protection and support to victims and witnesses.
"We are concerned for the safety of Professor Obafunwa, Chief Pathologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. On Tuesday, 30 June, 2009, another witness in the inquest was killed by unknown gunmen in her house in Ogun State.
"It is essential that the national justice system provides for comprehensive protection and support services conducted by persons with expertise in the field. In particular, it should be clear who is responsible for providing protection and support, that they have the necessary expertise to perform their functions, that effective systems are in place to provide protection and support to victims and witnesses and that adequate resources are available," the statement said.
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