Chairman, Independent Investigation Panel on Human Rights Violation by defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other units of the Nigerian police force, Justice Sulieman Galadima (retd) has urged the Nigerian police to live up to its responsibility and ensure maximum cooperation with the panel.
Justice Galadima stated this during the hearing of the case of alleged abuse of office and intimidation brought before the panel by one Engr Nicholas Azuka.
The retired Justice pointed out that at the last adjourned date, the police counsel promised to personally ensure the appearance of DSP Funmilayo Oguoje (the respondent) before it, in order for her to give detailed testimony on the subject matter.
Disappointedly, Justice Galadima noted that the police had not lived up to their expectations.
Consequently, he admonished them to sit up and ensure that all their respondents were always present in the panel whenever they were needed.
In his defence, the lead counsel to the police, James Idachaba, told the panel that DSP Funmilayo would have been present at the panel but for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election where all the opetatives of the force CID were deployed to provide security.
Idachaba reminded the panel that DSP Funmilayo had been before the panel severally and she was eager and willing to come and give evidence to lay the matter to rest once and for all.
The police counsel said once she appeared before the panel she would throw more light on the allegations which would assist the panel, adding that her testimony would be sufficient for defence to be opened.
Engineer Nicholas Azuka had earlier accused the police of unlawful arrest detention, intimidation, and torture.
He narrated how the police manhandled him without cause under the supervision of DSP Funmilayo who was supposed to investigate allegations of the fraudulent transaction against him by Hon. Haruna Mohammed over the sale of land in kubwa FCT.
The matter came up twice for the continuation of hearing and in all instances, the respondents have failed to turn up for defence, necessitating adjournment of the case to November 23, 2021 for counsel to open his defence.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
