A complaint of unlawful ostracism, intimidation, and harassment has been filed at the Magistrates Court of Cross River State, Sankwala Magisterial District.
The complainants, Gabriel Bekeh and Godwin Akomaye Bekeh, allege that they have been subjected to various forms of harassment and intimidation by respondents, including a serving executive member of the Cross River State Government as Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Justine Beshel ‘Big Man’ from Kakwalaka Village, Bendi 2 of Cross River State who uses his office to constantly intimidate, harass and acquire the land of Mr Gabriel Bekeh and Godwin Akomaye.
He attached a copy of the suit, No. HT/FHR/12/2024, marked as exhibit JAUI
According to the affidavit, Godwin Akomaye Bekeh stated that he is conversant with the facts deposed herein and has the consent of other applicants to depose to this affidavit on their behalf.
He attached a copy of the suit, No. HT/FHR/12/2024, marked as exhibit JAUI.
Bekeh alleged that the first respondent, a serving executive member of the Cross River State Government, has used his position to constantly intimidate and harass the applicants in an attempt to forcefully acquire their land.
The respondent allegedly procured the services of other respondents to carry out nefarious acts against the applicants.
The affidavit states that the second applicant was denied access to his blind father, Ukandi Bekeh Ugakem Uzegwu, from the date of his ostracism till his death on September 15, 2024. The applicants claim that the respondents’ actions led to their father’s death.
After their father’s death, the applicants decided to investigate the cause of his death but were prevented from accessing his corpse by the respondents. The respondents allegedly seized the corpse and deposited it at a mortuary in Bateriko Boki, Boki Local Government Area.
The applicants claim that the respondents’ actions led to their father’s death
The applicants further alleged that the respondents violently assaulted them, preventing them from seeing their father’s corpse. They reported the incident to the traditional ruler of Kakwalaka village, who described the act as uncultured.
The applicants have suffered from public humiliation, ridicule, blackmail, and shame due to the respondents’ actions. They no longer feel safe, and their lives are in constant danger. They request that the respondents be arrested, investigated, and charged to court for their alleged crimes.
The respondents named in the complaint include Justine Beshel, Udie Joseph Anoh, Michael Eyong, and others. Godwin Akomaye Bekeh swore to the affidavit conscientiously, believing the content to be true and correct, as provided by the Oath Act 2017.
All efforts by TGnews to contact the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Justine Beshel, whom the applicant referred to as the ‘Big Man’, were futile. Despite multiple calls, Mr. Beshel failed to respond to the allegations.
“I’m not interested in this issue,” Mr. Beshel said before abruptly hanging up the call in anger when he finally called TGnews back
“I’m not interested in this issue,” Mr. Beshel said before abruptly hanging up the call in anger when he finally called TGnews back.
The case is ongoing at the Magistrates Court of Cross River State, Sankwala Magisterial District.
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