Nigeria-Senate to investigate murder of Nigerian in Malaysia

The Senate yesterday condemned the gruesome murder of a Nigerian, Mr. Dennis Nwankwo on February 28, 2006 in Malaysia by unknown assassins.

The Upper House has therefore directed its Committee on Foreign Affairs under the chairmanship of Senator Jubril Aminu to investigate the matter and submit a report to the plenary in two weeks' time.

The motion was moved by Senator Uche Chukwumerije (Abia North) and seconded by Senator Osita Izunaso (Orlu Senatorial Zone). Chukwumerije had noted in a brief remark before moving the motion that the case of the indifference of the Nigerian state to the murder of Nwankwo in Malaysia illustrated one of the characteristics of a delinquent state. Senator Izunaso who seconded the motion called on the Senate to investigate the matter and unravel the circumstances that led to the murder.

In his contribution to the motion, Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah said that "the circumstances surrounding the death of citizen Nwankwo strike directly at the heart of our national sovereignty because the sovereignty of a nation comprises the integrity of its geographical frontiers, the ability of the government to protect the lives and properties of its citizens and the formulation, implementation and protection of the collective interests of its citizenry."

Obiorah said further that "When a Nigerian is killed in a foreign land and we do not take steps to investigate, it means we are denigrating our national sovereignty."

While moving the motion, Senator Chukwumerije noted that Nwankwo applied and gained admission to study at Rima College in Malaysia , adding that he left Nigeria with Malaysia visa in December 2005 after satisfying the college and entry requirements.

He pointed out that Nwankwo’s father was called from the College that he was killed by unknown persons, while the caller also told him that he had equally informed the Nigerian High Commission in Kualal Lumpur.