Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has inaugurated the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on police brutality and other related extra judicial killings in the state.
While Inaugurating members of the panel in Jos,the Governor challenged them to be thorough, diligent and fair to all those that will appear before them in order to ensure that justice is served to all parties without any bias.
He said ,”this very crucial event has become necessary because of the current developments in our nation occasioned by the ENDSARS movement which is a response to the complaints of alleged atrocities committed by some members of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria police against the citizens.”
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Lalong explained that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry will receive and hear complaints from all victims who have any complaint against the SARS and other police units with the view to ensuring that they obtain justice.
“Accordingly, pursuant to Section 2(1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Law, Cap 25, Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963 and by the powers vested in me, I have approved the constitution of a Judicial Panel of Inquiry to hear Complaints by Victims of Police Brutality and Other Related Extra-Judicial Killings in Plateau State.”
The panel’s terms of reference include to receive and investigate Complaints of Police Brutality and related extra-Judicial Killings in the State,evaluate evidence and draw conclusions on validity of complains.
The panel which has six months to conclude it’s assignment and submit it ,will also recommend compensation an other remedial measures.
The Governor however appealed to the protesters, particularly those who have cases, to vacate the streets and direct their energies towards the panel of inquiry in order to have their cases investigated so that they can obtain justice.
The Members of the panel include: Justice Philomena Lot (Rtd.) – Chairman
(ii) CP Garba Patrick (Rtd.) – Member
(iii) Ezekiel Dauda Daschen – Member
(Youth Representative)
(iv) Mrs. Rauta Dakok (Rep. Ministry of Justice)- Member
(v) Mrs. Kiyenpiya Mafuyai – Member
(Rep. of Human Rights
Commission)
(vi) Dr. John Jinung – Representing Civil Society
(vii) Fatimah Suleiman – Representing Civil Society
(Viii) Mr. Cornelius Shiolbial – Perm Sec. Cabinet & Special Services (Secretary)
He however assured that government will continue to address the other issues raised by the protesters as rapidly as possible adding that government is willing to continue the process of dialogue and engagement with leaders and representatives of the protesters if and when they make themselves available.
