The Independent Investigation Panel on Human Rights Violations by the defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian Police Force on Tuesday told the Police in clear terms the consequences of not obeying orders made by the panel.
Dr. Garba Tetengi (SAN) who presided over the panel on behalf of the chairman, Justice Sulieman Galadima (rtd) gave this warning in respect of the alleged extrajudicial killing Obinna Jonah by the police and other case where some police officers are listed as respondents.
According to Tetengi (SAN), may be the Police is oblivious of the grave consequences of not complying with the order of the panel. Similarly, another member of the panel John Aikpokpo Martins warned that the inability of the police to bring the said police witnesses before the panel at the next adjourned date will leave the panel with no choice than to ask the police to close their defence. The matter has been adjourned to 21st March 202 for definite cross-examination.
Similarly, the panel has directed the CP legal at the Force Headquarters to produce the case file of one John Emeka Alozie in the case of arbitrary arrest detention and enforced disappearance.
The panel noted that the CP legal has perpetually refused to obey the direct orders of the panel and this does not speak well of his status.
The panel demanded for a frantic explanation from the CP legal and has vowed to adjourn the case on a daily bases pending until the case file is brought before the panel.
