Cover: Weeks After, Police Yet To Arrest Ex-Takum Chairman Despite Chief Judge’s Order

Four weeks after the Taraba State Chief Judge, Justice Joel Agya ordered the State's Commissioner of Police, Mr David Iloyanomon, to immediately effect the arrest and prosecution of a former chairman of Takum local government area council, Hon. Shiban Tikari, over the abduction and killing of a member of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Hosea Ibi, in 2017, Hon Tikari is yet to be arrested. 

 A group under the aegis of the Kuteb Youth Forum, alleged that the accused ex council chairman is working freely, despite his indictment by the Chief Justice of Taraba State.

They  called on the Taraba State Commissioner of Police, COMPOL David Layomum, to intensify efforts in the investigation of the former chairman of Takum Local Government Area, Shiban Tikari, following the killing in 2017, of former member of the Taraba state House of Assembly, Hosea Ibbi, who until his death was representing Takum (1) one at the Taraba State House Of Assembly.

The group in a statement said "despite this atrocious act by Honourable Shiban Tikari ,he is still seen walking freely and also boasting to be above the law because according to him he has some certain protection of some godfathers behind him regardless of the findings, confession by his co-conspirators and the verdict from the judiciary by the Chief Judge of Taraba State".

According to the Kuteb Youth group, the case involving the former chairman, would draw national attention if not properly investigated.

"this issue escalates into a national issue that may eventually need the attention of the Inspector General of Police, the National Assembly and all relevant civil society organizations who are saddled with responsibilities of fighting for human rights".  

The group also stated that the two persons arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of the member, had earlier confessed of their involvement in the crime, and also confirmed that they were acting under the directives of the former chairman, Shiban Tikari.

The group also accused what they described as powerful individuals in the state, who occasionally aided the release of the former chairman, when he was arrested in several occasions.

The group emphasized that it's mandate is to fight and seek justice for the late Hosea Ibbi, who was a dedicated member of their movement, noting that they will seek justice from relevant authorities until the culprits are brought to book.

The forum in the statement, said that if the suspect is arrested it would address issues of banditry, local thuggery, politically motivated kidnapping and youth restiveness, in Takum Local Government Area.

The group however commended the efforts of the Taraba state Judiciary, under the leadership of Justice, Joel Filibus Agya, over the recent sentencing of the two culprits in the case to life in prison, as well as for standing for the truth.