Edo State born Anti-death penalty advocate, Arthur Judah Angel on Sunday was killed by unknown assailants and buried in a shallow grave in Edo State.
The incident happened in the Late Angel’s home town in Ugboha, Esan South East, Edo State,while Tlthe assailants also burnt down his house.
The Anti Death Penalty Advocate having been sentenced to death in 1986 for a crime he did not commit and was on death row for nine years. He was also a human right defender who used his foundation, Life Wire International Foundation, to fight for the use of death penalty in the country.
He travelled to over 15 countries to speak out against death penalty through his art exhibitions and drawings.
When contacted Angel’s cousin, Michael Ihaza on Tuesday, confirmed the assassination of his uncle.
He said, “I cannot really say if he had problem with anyone. He won several cases over family land but I really don’t know if that brought issues between him and anyone.
“He never reported any threat to his life to me. However, his 15 year old son who reported the case to the police in Ugboha has been taken into custody for questioning but I don’t think he has a hand in his father’s death.
“His son was arrested the same day he was killed. The narrative that is making the round within the police circle and in town is that the boy is a also a suspect.
“My late uncle fought for humanity in his lifetime. He worked on prison reform and was a gentleman. I never heard that he had problem we with any one.
“The police say they are investigating the matter so we don’t want to say anything that will jeopardize the investigation. Hopefully, the culprit will be identified and brought to justice.
When contacted the PPRO of the Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor said the incident had not been reported to the police command. He urged citizens to promptly report crime to the police so that they can begin investigation in time.
When told that the matter had already been reported to the police station, “we have to find out where and get the DPO to acquaint the command about the case.”
