A retired army officer, Mohammed Labaran, today November 23rd, 2021 disclosed before a fact finding Panel that his arrest by personell of the Nigerian Police was Malicious.
Making this known before the Independent Investigative Panel on the defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian Police Force on alleged human rights violations sitting in Abuja, Labaran refutted the assertion by the Police that his arrest was made in good faith.
In the matter which bothered on alleged unlawful arrest and detention; Torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, denial of right to property and abuse of office, Labaran had earlier told the panel that towards his retirement from the Nigerian Army, he travelled from Rivers State to Awe Local Government in Nasarawa State in order to access traditional treatment of a gunshot wound he sustained years ago in the course of duty, which had developed some complications.
Narrating further, Labaran told the panel that while at Awe, the police arrested him, accused him of the murder of Kudirat Abiola and also an attempt by him to kill Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (The deposed Emir of Kano).
“Even after being identified by 117 Battalion Nigeria Army as their personell, the DCP Operations ordered my continued detention on the grounds that my matter was already before the IGP and that only he could order for my release”, Labaran told the panel.
The matter which was last heard on March 1st, 2021 was adjourned for continuation of hearing and to allow counsel to the Police to examine allegations made by the petitioner with a view to arriving at the true position of the issues raised.
At the resumed hearing today, Labaran was cross examined by counsel to the police, Malik D Taiwo Esq.
Malik further informed the panel that he will not be calling any witness in the matter and that he was indeed prepared to make his defense.
The complainant is seeking among other reliefs;
Refund of N1.4m withdrawn from his bank account by the police while in detention.
Refund of N2m paid in regaining his freedom.
To return his pair of full combat desert camouflage uniform still in possession of the Police
The matter was adjourned to November 25, 2021 for defence.
