The Independent Investigative Panel sitting in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital has threatened to issue a warrant of arrest on a Police Officer, Danjuma Ochejeh of Delta State Police Command in Southern Nigeria, if he fails to appear before the panel.
His attention is needed to respond to allegations of extra-judicial killing and rights violations levelled against him.
This is sequel to the inability of Mr. Ochejeh to appear before the panel at Monday’s sitting despite earlier summons to the effect since June 17 2020.
The Panel was set up by the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC to address the issues of human rights violations allegedly committed by the defunct Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS and other units of the Nigerian Police,
Acting Chairman of the Panel, Dr. Garba Tetengi, noted that there was no evidence before the Investigative panel why Mr Ochejeh would appear before it to explain his side of the story.
Unlawful use of firearm
Mr. Danjuma Ochejeh, a serving Police Officer and others were petitioned for arbitrary arrest and unlawful use of firearm, leading to an alleged death of Mr. Aboy Uduaka.
In another development, a Petitioner collapsed while explaining his experiences in the hands of the defunct SARS operatives in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria.
The petitioner, Mr. Timothy Ogbeye slumped during cross examination on one of the two petitions he filed before the panel.
The incident prompted acting Chairman of the Panel, Dr. Garba Tetengi to adjourn proceedings on the case till 24th of March, 2020 for a continuation.
Mr. Timothy was rushed to a medical facility for an urgent medical attention after his condition became stable and his main allegation was unlawful arrest, detention, torture and degrading treatments.
Lateefah Ibrahim