The IIP-SARS has adjourned to 25th November, 2021, the case of alleged torture, cruel, inhuman degrading treatment brought before the panel by Prince Chigaemezu S. Ojinnaka against the Police.
At the resumed hearing of this case, the police failed to produce Officer Dan Iroakazi of State CID Imo state Police Division, who happened to be the Investigating Police Officer of the case.
In the petition, Ojinnaka, the complainant had testified before the panel that members of Operation Search and Flush shot him in Owerri, Imo state on 14th of April, 2020.
The 20-year-old petitioner had also informed the panel that he was shot when the police accosted him while on his way to visit his grandfather in the hospital.
Dr Garba Tetengi SAN who stood in for the Chairman of the panel, Justice Suleiman Galadima (rtd) informed the police that “Due to the sensitivity of this case and the limited time frame, the panel has to complete its work, we have need to know who shot this young man”.
The panel therefore directed Counsel to both police and petitioner to submit their written addresses a week from today and that the Police Counsel should be ready to open and close their defence on the next adjourned date, being 25th November, 2021.
In another case of alleged torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention filed by Dr Justin Ogochukwu Nwankwo , the panel struck out the case for lack of diligence prosecution.
The Counsel to the panel Mr Halilu Adamu informed the panel that the petitioner cannot be reached despite several unsuccessful phone calls.
Although Mr Halilu suggested the Commission can continue with the investigation of the case anytime petitioner shows up.
Similarly, a case of alleged arbitrary arrest and detention, and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of a complainant, Julius Kyoon was adjourned till 25th November,2021.
For the case was adjourned, Counsel to the panel, Chino Obiagwu (SAN) reminded the panel that the complainant has testified and are ready to close his case.
On the other hand, Counsel to the police, James Idachaba urged the panel to adjourn the matter to enable the police to defend the allegations against them.
Respondents in the petition were Emmanuel Chimaroke (DSS), Supol Ofor Jonah, DPO, Asokoro Division Police Headquarters, Commander in Charge, IGP-IRT, Commissioner of Police, FCT and Inspector General of Police.
Another petition on alleged arbitrary arrest and detention cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of Raphael Tersoo Toona was also adjourned by the panel till 25th of November, 2021.
When the matter was called up for continuation of hearing on Tuesday, Counsel to the panel, Chino Obiagwu (SAN) told the panel that counsel to the complainant was not present in the panel. Similarly, the respondents which included Inspector Vincent Makinde (IGP-IRT), Commander IGP-IRT, Commissioner of Police FCT and the Inspector General of police were not at the panel.
Earlier, the police legal team led by James Idachaba had informed the panel that Inspector Makinde, who is the 1st respondent in the matter, has been sick for the past six month and therefore could not make it to the panel.
He also said that Inspector Makinde will likely be in the position to assist the panel with the necessary information about the petition saying that he was working closely with the Commander of the IGP-IRT, DCP Abba Kyari who he said has gone on suspension.
In view of the above, the panel advised the police to get relevant information about the matter from Inspector Makinde and report to the panel on the next adjourned date.
