By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Outrage has continued to trail the killing of a young legal practitioner, Barrister Peter Ihimiekpen, following what the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Alumni Association described as a “senseless and unlawful” shooting by a serving police officer in Owerri, Imo State.

In a strongly worded statement, the worldwide body of AAU alumni condemned the killing of the lawyer, an alumnus of the institution, who was allegedly shot dead by Inspector Emmanuel Onoja, a police officer attached to the New Owerri Police Station.

The association said it received the news with “deep pain, searing anger and total outrage,” describing the incident as another indication of what it termed growing recklessness and indiscipline within elements of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the alumni body, the officer allegedly resorted to the use of lethal force over what it described as a “mere and trivial issue,” stressing that no circumstance could justify the discharge of a firearm against an unarmed citizen.

“This was not policing; it was sheer brutality,” the association said, describing the killing as a direct assault on justice, professionalism and the sanctity of human life.

The AAU Alumni Association expressed particular anguish that the victim was a lawyer and defender of the rule of law, who lost his life at the hands of those constitutionally empowered to protect citizens.

“The era where officers murder citizens and hide behind uniforms must end,” the statement said, warning that any attempt to sweep the matter under the carpet would be resisted and exposed.

The association called on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately order a transparent and independent investigation into the incident, ensure the arrest, suspension and prosecution of the officer involved, and guarantee that justice is swift, public and uncompromised.

It also demanded adequate compensation for the family of the deceased, describing the loss as irreparable and devastating.

“No argument, no misunderstanding and no provocation justifies the killing of a citizen by a police officer,” the statement added, warning that shielding the perpetrator would further erode public trust in law enforcement.

The statement was signed by the Worldwide President of the AAU Alumni Association, Dr. Clifford Omozeghian, who said the body stood firmly with the bereaved family, the legal community and all Nigerians who believe in justice.

“We are angry. We are pained. We demand justice,” the association declared, renewing calls for an end to police impunity and greater respect for the value of Nigerian lives.