…vows to use its powers
The Independent Investigative panel on Human Rights Violation by the defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian police has expressed determination to unravel the truth surrounding the whereabouts of one Mr. John Emeka Alozie who is said to have been missing for the last three years, despite the failure of the police to comply with the order of the panel to produce two of their officers, Mr Obiazo and Mr Uzo Emeana over their alleged involvement in the arbitrary arrest and detention of the victim
Expressing displeasure over the attitude of the police in complying with the orders of the panel, Dr. Garba Tetengi (SAN) who stood in for the Chariman Justice Sulaiman Galadima rtd said the panel cannot be frustrated with the actions of the police, adding that is in the best interest of the police to comply else the panel will use its powers to indict the officers in question.
He said the flimsy excuses presented by the police counsel for the inability of the police to produce the officers is uncalled for , emphsising that the panel is dealing with an institution and not an individual.
Therefore it is expected that the institution has its own records to always make reference to, rather than continuously depend on individuals to provide information on sensitive cases concerning the police as an institution.
In his submission, counsel to the panel, Chino Obiagwu (SAN) reminded the panel that the cases came up for hearing three times with the expectation that the police will produce the victim but it has always been the same story of their inability to produce him for obvious reasons.
The panel further made an order for the appearance of the three respondents in the petition, Mr Obiazo ,Mr. Uzo Emeana and Mr. Sunday Okpe all of Akwuzu SARS Anambra state.
The case was adjourned till 26th November, 2021 even as the panel ordered the CP Legal to produce the case file of Mr John Emeka Alozie.
