ASP Paul Odey of the IGP Intelligence Response Team (IRT) has appeared before the Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations by the Defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian police force to give testimony on the account of one Ebuka Aniegu over alleged unlawful arrest detention and enforced disappearance
In his submission before the panel Asp Odey told the panel how it all happened, he said sometime in May 2019 there was an arrest made at the trade more police stations Lugbe bothering on armed robbery and rape, which was subsequently reported to IRT.
According to Odey investigation into the matter commenced by a team at the IRT led by SP Chinedu Okonkwo , Paul Odey and two others.
He informed the panel that the investigation led to the recovery of a phone even as he confirmed visiting the scene of the incident. He made some analysis and came up with an issue resulting in the arrest of one Otu.
ASP Odey told the panel that after interrogation, Otu confessed to the crime and mentioned Ebuka and others as his accomplices.
Continuing, Odey told the panel that Abba Kyari the Head of the IGP IRT directed DSP John Onyema (now late) to take over the matter, adding that both the case file and suspect were handed over as directed.
While cross examining the witness, counsel to the complainant Mr. Ifeanyi Agu accused the witness that his narrative of handing over to DSP John Onyema (deceased) was a ploy to put up a defense.
Mr. Agu further provided evidence of a recording of a conversation before the panel. While listening to the recorded conversation, it was suggestive that ASP Odey informed him that the victim has been transferred to Lagos.
Meanwhile, Mr. Agu stated that Odey should have informed him during their conversation that the victim was here in Abuja at the IRT and not in Lagos.
Reacting to the series of questions posed to him, ASP Odey clarified that he is equally confused and insisted that at the time he was an Inspector under the supervision of a DSP so he could not have influenced any decision and insisted he never mentioned the victim was in Lagos.
Dr. Garba Tetengi who stood in for the chairman of the panel Justice Sulieman Galadima rtd has said that the conversation was suggestive and said that for all they know the panel understands he is missing until that has been proven otherwise.
The matter has been adjourned to the 24th of March 2022 for SP Chinedu Okonwo to appear before the panel, the panel also requested that the death certificate of DSP John Onyema be provided on the next adjourned date.
