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Late Zakari Murtala-Muhammed

By Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji
The family of the late former head of state, Murtala Muhammed, on Monday, tasked the National Assembly on the need to the enact laws that protect the rights of victims who might have been erroneously killed.
They made the call respectively in Lagos and Abuja at a special prayer organised by the family to mark the 25 years remembrance of the late son of the ex-military ruler, Zackari, who was fatally shot on August 13, 1993, in Abuja.
The family observed that the killing of the finance graduate of the University of Canterbury, Kent, and the manner in which the case ended in confusion was an obvious injustice.
They said in view of this, lawmakers should consider ‘Victims’ Rights Laws’, which would protect Nigerians from such heinous crimes.
The elder sister to the deceased, Aisha Muhammed- Oyebode, who spoke with journalists said: “25 years ago today, our brother’s life was fatally cut short.
“Despite knowing who the perpetrator was and all efforts to prosecute the matter, the case did not make it past the initial investigation and arraignment.
“Therefore, in order to give protection to future victims of such heinous crimes and as a remembrance to our brother, we want to call for the enactment of victims’ rights legislation. This is crucial at a time like this, because it is one way to ensure that the rights of victims of all crimes are protected in criminal prosecutions.”
She added that”all around the world, victims’ rights have been acknowledged as a basic human right. As far back as 1985, the U.N. adopted the Declaration of the Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power, so it is time for Nigeria to adopt a victim-centric approach to criminal justice.
“Until such legislation is promulgated, many such crimes will continue to remain unsolved, encouraging unlawful killings and criminal impunity in our nation. Particularly in the crime of murder, where the primary victim has been killed, the secondary victims of the crime must be able to have the legal support to seek justice and push the prosecution to its logical conclusion.”
She described her late brother as a kind and very considerate son and brother, whose passion for the family and for his nation was unquantifiable.
”We miss his laugher too,” she said adding that the remembrance would include supporting his alma mater, Kings College Lagos, with academic resources in his memory.
Murtala Muhammed was the military ruler of Nigeria from 1975 until he was also assassinated in 1976.
•Source: PremiumTimes