Anambra State Investigative Panel Entertains More Petitions On Police Brutality, Extra-judicial Killings
More petitions by members of the public against defunct SARS, Police brutality and extra-judicial killings are being entertained by the Anambra State Judicial Panel of Inquiry at the Government House, Awka.
Some of the petitioners, Honourable Dan Ozoemena, Messrs Joseph Ezeonu, Emmanuel Ndubisi, John Nnenna, Ugochukwu Ekwenugo, Ogochukwu Onyekwere, told the Panel how their wards were killed extrajudicially by SARS operatives, after being arrested on unsubstantiated allegations.
They however expressed hope that the Panel will do justice to their prayers, including helping to recover bodies of their loved ones for decent burial, and that government will be faithful in implementing recommendations of the panel.
The Nigeria Police Force is being represented at the public hearing by SP Innocent Obi, while Inspector Johnson Osim was today, 01-12-2020, cross-examined by a Petitioner’s counsel on veracity of claims made by the Inspector-General of Police on some of the deaths.
Governor Willie Obiano had inaugurated the Panel, with terms of reference including to evaluate evidences presented and other surrounding circumstances and draw conclusions regarding the validity of the complaints, as well as recommend appropriate sanctions and proffer solutions, among other functions.
Chairman of the Panel, Retired Justice Veronica Umeh, who is leading other panel members, including representatives from the church, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Civil Society Organisations, the Judiciary, in entertaining the complaints, assured that the Panel is out to do justice to all parties.
