Family Lawyer Questions Air Force Delay in Driver's Death Probe

Samuel Abu, the lawyer for Joseph Okpe's family, is frustrated with the Nigerian Air Force's slow investigation into the death of the Lagos bus driver. Okpe was allegedly beaten to death by Air Force officers, and Abu fears that delays in justice will only increase the family's pain and raise suspicions of a cover-up.

Okpe, age 43, died on May 9, just hours after a traffic incident on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway involving Air Force officers. He was reportedly assaulted by a group of officers after the minor accident.

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed in a statement from Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame that all officers involved have been detained. They also visited the family.

Ejodame told PUNCH Metro that "the case is currently under investigation by the appropriate civil and military authorities."

In a phone interview with PUNCH Metro on Thursday, Abu expressed his concern about how long the investigation is taking. He believes the military already has enough evidence to wrap up the case.

"I cannot say why there is a delay since I do not know their internal processes, but it is hard to believe that the Nigerian Air Force is taking this long to finish an investigation."

He continued, "Given their resources and influence, it should not be hard for them to resolve this, especially with all the evidence and eyewitness accounts available to them."

Abu also claimed that there are attempts to block accountability in this case. He said, "I have asked repeatedly for the police to bring those involved to justice, but it seems there are efforts to stop the police from doing their job."

He added, "When you look at everything, it looks like a deliberate attempt to slow down the investigation. I believe they are waiting to see if this matter can be quietly buried if the family does not keep pressing for it."

Abu pointed out that any investigation should establish whether there is a case to answer. He believes the evidence available should already be enough to move forward.

"With all the resources they have and the evidence we know the NAF has, the delay is not acceptable. The NAF risks being seen as not serious about the case or trying to hide it."

He emphasized that this situation is bad for the reputation of a respected agency like the Air Force. He urged them to treat the matter with urgency.

"This incident has changed the family’s life forever. It is sad that it feels like they either do not care or want to sweep it under the rug and move on."

Abu concluded, "The family cannot just move on from losing their breadwinner. This is a huge loss that cannot be fixed."

Earlier, PUNCH Metro reported that Okpe’s widow, Grace Joseph, accused the Nigerian Air Force of neglecting her family. She said no one from the Air Force has contacted her since a condolence visit when they promised support.

Grace, who has three children, said her kids keep asking about their father while the family struggles with the loss of their main provider.