Human rights campaigner Joe Isreal has launched a passionate appeal for justice following the brutal killing of a 43-year-old man in Delta State. The victim, identified as Erhieyove Erhiga Matthew, was allegedly beaten to death by youths in his community for reportedly having a relationship with a woman said to be married.
A Deadly Attack Over Alleged Affair
According to details shared by Isreal on social media, the tragic incident occurred in the Okoroke-Ovu area after Oviore, within the Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State. The attack took place on October 28, when community youths allegedly accosted Matthew. They accused him of sleeping with the woman in question, an allegation based solely on claims that he was seen standing and discussing with her.
Isreal stated that all attempts by Matthew to proclaim his innocence were ignored. The youths reportedly tied his hands and legs and subjected him to a severe beating. He was then paraded before community elders while bleeding, but no intervention was made to stop the assault. The activist vowed to release a video showing the extent of the molestation and killing.
Separated Wife Fleeing Domestic Violence
A critical twist in the case, as presented by the activist, involves the status of the woman at the center of the allegation. Isreal clarified that the woman had been separated from her husband, Onoriode Efferunu, for over a year. She is said to have left the marriage, which produced four children, due to domestic violence and irreconcilable differences.
The activist further alleged that the estranged husband had previously threatened that any man who associated with his wife would face his wrath. Isreal directly accused Onoriode Efferunu of orchestrating the fatal attack on Matthew, a claim the husband has reportedly denied. The woman herself has allegedly sworn that she had no intimate relationship with the deceased.
Calls for Arrests and Police Caution
Joe Isreal is calling for a comprehensive investigation and arrests beyond the youths directly involved. He demands that the community elders who witnessed the attack and failed to act should also be arrested for conspiracy. Furthermore, he has raised an alarm about the legal proceedings following the incident.
Isreal revealed that the lawyer representing the alleged husband is currently at the State Police Command headquarters in Asaba, seeking bail for those already arrested in connection with the murder. He urged the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) to handle the matter with utmost caution, emphasizing its significant public interest.
The activist's campaign highlights ongoing concerns about extra-judicial killings, the plight of domestic violence survivors, and the influence of community power dynamics in the Nigerian justice system. The case continues to develop as calls for accountability grow louder.
