Ex-Ogbadibo LG chairman, Samuel, brother, Frank Onuh, others risk life imprisonment over attempt to murder journalist in Abuja

The immediate past caretaker committee chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, Samuel Odoh Onuh (Prince Onuh), his brother, Frank and others might spend the rest of his life in jail if found guilty of the recent attempt to murder journalist Ameh Comrade Godwin in Abuja.

Ameh, who doubles as one of the Deputy Editors of DAILY POST, at about three weeks ago, escaped death by whiskers when Samuel Onuh, otherwise known as Prince Onuh, who is eyeing the Ogbadibo LGA chairmanship stool, led some thugs to attack him, with the intent to kill him.

The journalist had in a statement said that the Onuh brothers and their hired thugs numbering eight, after assaulting him, labeled him a thief.

“It was God that saved me because when Samuel ordered one of the boys to shoot me, I took to my heels and they went after me shouting thief, barawo (which means thief in Hausa language). Some boys around the area went after me with weapons to lynch me, thinking I was actually a thief. It was God that saved me,” Ameh had explained in his petition submitted to the police.

Adoyi Ali Abah, the Managing  Editor of DAILY POST had also raised similar alarm on the alleged threat by Onuh and his thugs to attack him.

Adoyi had also in a petition to the police claimed his life and that of his family, including other staff members of DAILY POST were in danger.

However, findings by this newspaper have shown that the said offence contravenes the Nigerian Criminal Code Act Part V Chapter 25 no. 320 and prescribes life imprisonment for anyone found guilty.

“Any person who  attempts unlawfully to kill another; or with intent unlawfully to kill another, such act or omission being of such a nature as to be likely to endanger human life;  is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for life.”

Meanwhile, the Onuh brothers fled Abuja 24 hours after committing the dastardly act.

However, Fred Apochi, who invited Ameh to the scene of the crime has openly come out to state what actually happened.

Fred, who also hailed from Owukpa, had in a statement made before the police, said Onuh tricked him to bring Ameh, who he described as his ‘younger brother’ to be killed.

“One fact that needs to be established first is that Onuh had stopped picking up my calls ever since he started his political career in Ogbadibo, but I was surprised when he called me that he was in Abuja during the weekend and apologized for not taking my calls.

“He insisted that since Ameh is related to me, I should come along with him, noting that he had a surprise gift for him in appreciation of his effort towards his (Onuh’s) election. He, however, urged me not to tell him (Ameh) since it was a surprise. I had no knowledge that he was going to ambush my brother (Comrade).

On getting there, Frank came out from a building; I was shocked because I never knew he was in the country. We exchanged pleasantries and his brother, Samuel also arrived.

“The moment he saw Ameh, he said, “See how God just delivered this idiot into my hand. Go and kneel down there.”

“Out of shock, I said, “is this a film or what?” Before I could say anything, Samuel descended on him. While I was trying to prevent him from further attacking the young man, some huge guys arrived from behind and pounced on him (Ameh) and started assaulting him. While trying to protect my brother, Samuel also pounced on me and started beating me, warning that if I stayed on his way, he would kill me.

“I want the whole world to know that whatever happens to Ameh, me, or any member of our family or any one fighting to ensure justice in this case, Prince Onuh and his brother, Frank should be held responsible.”

However, several invitations extended to Onuh by the police have not being honoured as the politicians was seen bragging on social media with his supporters.

Earlier, Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South, had issued a statement calling for the arrest of those involved in the attempt to murder Ameh, who doubles as his Media Aide.

Senator Moro had said he would do everything within his power to make sure Ameh gets justice.

Speaking on how far he has gone, Ameh said the matter is already before the police IG and court, insisting that he would sacrifice anything to make sure his attackers are brought to book.

“I am not in a rush because justice delayed is not justice denied. As long as they remain in Nigeria, they can’t run from the long arms of the law.

“They can run but can’t hide. The matter is already in court and our petition has been taken to the appropriate quarters.

“As a law-abiding citizen, I will wait for the law to take its course. They are other quicker ways to smoke them out but I will wait for the law-enforcement agency to do their job.

“But one thing I promise them is that they will pay the price through their nose. The truth is, the law is respecter of no one. He has been working tirelessly to quash the case through the backdoor but he should be ready to welcome lizard over the ant-infested firewood he brought home. I have one weakness, which is, I don’t forgive, even if it takes 200 years.

“I heard they are planning fresh attack on me and my family, but let it be on record today that whatever happens to me, Samuel Onuh and his brother, Frank should be held responsible.  I have already inform the police about this.

“Fred Apochi has identified one of the attackers as Inalegwu Ejeh (Bakkasi) and the police have been briefed about this.

“I will make sure I fight this to the end. All I want is justice and I will surely get it, no, matter how long it takes.”

Barr. David Agada, another lawyer, who had also volunteered to stand for Ameh, said he had obtained past criminal records of one of the suspects.

“One of the suspects mentioned in the crime is a habitual offender. We have obtained records of his past criminal offences for violence and cult-related crimes.

“Such people should not be allowed to live in our midst.  They belong to correctional centre and we would pursue this to a logical end so it would serve as a deterrent to others.

“They don’t know the weight of the crime they have committed. This includes attempted murder, conspiracy to kill, false allegation, violence.

“If he thinks he’s above the law, let see how it would end.”

Meanwhile, DAILY POST through its lawyer, Barr. John George Itodo, Esq, of Hedgewood Legal, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police over the attempted murder and threat to lives of DAILY POST staff.

In the petition entitled: “Petition against one Samuel Odoh Onuh, the PDP candidate for Ogbadibo LGA chairmanship election in Benue State for violent attack on Ameh Comrade Godwin and threat to lives of Ali Adoyi and others” the lawyer called on the police “IG to without delay investigate and prosecute the said Samuel Onuh and his thugs, who have vowed to either make life unbearable for our clients’ staff or terminate their lives. And our clients are more apprehensive as the said Samuel Onuh and his thugs have carried out the first attack.”