A petitioner at the ongoing public hearing on complaints against Police brutality has narrated how he was cowed against seeking justice, after Policemen allegedly killed his ward extra judicially.
Mr. Dan Ozoemena, who narrated the incident at the Panel sitting, said he was prevailed upon to discontinue making even formal complaints on the matter, or risk being tagged “MASSOB sponsor”.
According to the petitioner, when the matter was initially reported at 3-3 Police Station, he was informed that they lack control over SARS operatives, and was referred to SARS office, where he was threatened to back down on the matter.
Another petitioner, Mr. Joseph Ezeonu, told the Panel that his son, Kelechi, has not been seen for years, after he was arrested and taken by SARS operatives, adding that his visits to SARS formations in the State were met with threats and assaults.
Other petitioners, Messrs Emmanuel Ndubisi, John Nnenna, Ugochukwu Ekwenugo, Ogochukwu Onyekwere, and Jeremiah Okoli, equally complained to the Panel against unlawful detention of self, and or extrajudicial killing of relatives.
They however expressed the 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.
Inspector Johnson Osim, from the office of the Inspector-General of Police, was cross-examined by a Petitioner’s counsel on veracity of IGP’s claims on some of the deaths, while SP Innocent Obi, a Legal practitioner, who represented the Nigeria Police Force at the public hearing, said the Police authorities will take appropriate actions when the Panel makes recommendations.
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.
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.
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