Izuchukwu Okosi
A United Nations human rights expert Morris Tidball-Binz on Friday called on the Liberian government to investigate the current spate of dastard killings in the country some of which have been linked to ritualistic practices.
At least 10 people have been reportedly killed in questionable circumstances this year including five in September said to have suspected links to ritualistic practices or political motivations.
According to a report by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Morris Tidball-Binz, three of the most recent victims were either former officials or had links to high profile former politicians.
According to the report, the Liberian Independent National Commission on Human Rights and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court have both called for full investigations into the killings.
“Prompt, independent and thorough investigations into potentially unlawful killings is a key component of the right to life.
“These investigations should be conducted in accordance with the standards enshrined in The Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death,” said Tidball-Binz who is a medical doctor with specialty in forensic science, human and Humanitarian rights.
“Investigations should fully explore all possible motivations for these killings.
“Investigations should not only be aimed at bringing those responsible to justice, but also to draw necessary lessons for revising practices and policies with a view to avoiding repeated violations.”
UN human rights bodies it is gathered have previously raised concerns and called for investigations into ritualistic killings in Liberia, including the Human Rights Committee in 2018.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
In October 2004, Okosi joined Complete Communications Limited, publishers of Complete Sports newspaper and Complete Football magazine as a reporter and later script writer for the Complete Sports studio.
He worked there for 13 years until October 2017.
Okosi also worked various times as Correspondent, Content creator and Editor at Sports Market International Magazine, Opera News, All Nigeria Soccer Media and Iconic Media Watch.
He also undertook freelance writing gigs for some local and international organizations.
Okosi is a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Association of Voiceover Artistes of Nigeria (AVOA), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He has been part of cast in some Nollywood movies and radio dramas including Blood Money 2, Scores To Settle, Dead End 2, Another Campus Tale and Battle Line.
Aside mainstream media and the entertainment industry, he has interests in scouting/unearthing of talents in the sports and creative sectors, exports business and property development.
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