Father Of 13-Year-Old Accident Victim Accuses Rivers Police Of Extortion

A Magistrate Court sitting in Choba Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers has remanded in prison custody one Deinye Dappa, a Rivers State taskforce personnel accused of triggering the accident which involved a 13 year-old JSS 3 student at Ozuoba axis of Port Harcourt.

But father of the victim, Mr Bassey Etoo, has accused the police of extorting him because of his desire to get justice for his son.

He accused the police of attempts to frustrate the case by constant demand for bribe.

Mr Etoo spoke to journalists in Port Harcourt shortly after the court proceeding on Thursday.

He alleged that cops at the Ozuoba Police Station in Obio Akpor LGA of the state made things difficult for his family since the case came up due to their constant requests for money.

He said: “Ever since the case started, the police are just bent on asking me to give them money for investigations ranging from movements and consultations.

“Over the time, going to the police station gets me scared as it is always all about money, and my family have spent heavily on this matter.” he told journalists.

He however commended the judiciary for upholding justice, saying the ruling satisfied his family.

Deinye Dappa, who claims to be a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers Enforcement Team, Rumuekini branch, was said to have been dragging the steering of taxi with the driver, Mr. Augustine Okoro, when the accident happened.

Jamma Etoo, a JSS 3 student, who was returning from a junior WAEC examination, was knocked down by the car.

Although he did not die, he was severely injured in the accident.

The Presiding Judge, Chief Magistrate Israel Agbaesor, granted bail to Mr Okoro before adjourning the case to 3rd December, 2020 for the defendants to take their pleas.

The defendants were arraigned in court by the Rivers State Police Command and is facing a two-count charge.