CLEEN mourns founder, Chukwuma’s death

THE Centre for Law Enforcement Education in Nigeria (CLEEN) Foundation has expressed sadness over the death of its Founder and Pioneer Executive Director, Innocent Chukwuma.

In a statement issued by Prof. Etannibi Alemika on behalf of the Trustees and the Board of Directors of the foundation today, titled, ‘Innocent Chukwuma: Painfully gone too soon’, the frontline civil society organisation stated: “While we are extremely saddened at his premature transition to eternity, we are consoled by the legacy he left behind.”

The statement read, in part, “Innocent Chukwuma was a patriot who, throughout his adult life, struggled for a Nigerian nation where peace, justice, development and security are attained and sustained.

“He was one of the students within the NANS platform that opposed the arbitrary powers of the military rule in the 1980s.

“He continued the struggle as a staff of the Civil Liberties Organisation where he led research and advocacy on police reform.”

The statement noted that in 1998, Innocent Chukwuma established the Centre for Law Enforcement Education in Nigeria, CLEEN Foundation, which is now a leading NGO in the Policing and Public Safety Sector.

“Our prayers, thoughts and condolences go to his wife, Josephine, daughters and the extended family.” the statement added.

Chukwuma, through his civil society organisation, CLEEN Foundation, was helping the Buhari administration monitor the spending of the last tranche of $311m repatriated funds recovered from former Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.

While mourning Chukwuma today, President Buhari described him as a credible voice of transparency,