A Nigerian family has been thrown into anguish and confusion following the killing of their son, an IT guru, by the USA Police.
Joseph Ejeh, who hailed from Benue State, was reportedly shot dead in Seattle, Washington State, USA, last week, sending his family back home in search of answers to worrying questions.
Already, Emmanuel Ogebe, international human rights lawyer and counselor to the Ejeh family, has written to the USA Police in connection with the matter.
In a correspondence dated December 14, 2023 entitled, “STATEMENT ON REPORTED DEATH OF INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFIED AS OUR SON/BROTHER IN SEATTLE, USA POLICE SHOOTING”, Ogebe wrote:
“The Ejeh family of Benue State Nigeria received information concerning a police-involved fatal incident purportedly involving our son/brother in Seattle, Washington State, USA.
While we have received no official notification, a detective from King’s County Sheriff stated to us this possibility the day before yesterday (Tuesday, December 12, 2023).
“However, we’re perplexed at media reports identifying the victim of this shooting as our son/brother firstly, because the circumstances are totally out of character with our Joseph and secondly, his name was in the news the week before we even heard about it.
“At this time, we are not aware of a positive identification by the family and will approach the US and Nigerian governments to facilitate our ability to do so. We have tried unsuccessfully to reach Joseph to determine if this is all just a horrid mistake.
“We ask the prayers of all as we deal with a difficult situation at what was supposed to be a festive season of the year.”
Providing more information on the issue, Ogebe said in an e-mail to News Express: “We had productive visits with mum and the family here in Abuja over a couple of days and initiated a series of next steps as a result.
“We have reached out to the US embassy and awaiting responses. It is hoped that maximal cooperation is reached to resolve this situation as the family needs certainty and justice in this matter if proven true.”
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