The Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights violations by defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian Police Force sitting in Abuja Nigeria’s Capital says it would ensure justice in the case of alleged enforced disappearance and unlawful detention of one Mr. Lukman Salihu.
Chairman of the panel, Retired Justice Suleiman Galadima stated this while pointing out the uniqueness of the case.
The retired Supreme Court justice described the case as unique due to claim by the police that the victim was arrested and handed over to the Joint Military Action on Terrorism, a claim the panel insists must be verified, especially as the whereabouts of the victim remains unknown several years after his arrest by the police.
“This matter is in a class of its own, it is unique. Police will have to prove the claim that the victim is not in their custody but has been handed over appropriately as alleged” he said.
Meanwhile, John Aikpokpo Martins, the representative of the Nigerian Bar Association on the panel maintained that there was a need to know exactly what had become of the victim and until that is established; the case will continue.
A case of terrorism
Counsel to the police, Fidelis Ogwobe earlier informed the panel that his investigations on the whereabouts of the victim revealed that he was involved in a case of terrorism, and was handed over to Joint Military Action on Terrorism in New Bussa, Niger State by the Police who arrested him in the first instance.
He decried unsuccessful attempts made by him to ensure the appearance of IPO Aladin Monday to explain his involvement in the case as ordered by the panel.
The victim, Mr. Lukman Suleiman, a native of Kogi State, was allegedly arrested in 2015 at Zuba, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in a taxi on his way to school in Nasarawa State and has not been seen since then.
Ruling on the matter, Retired Justice Suleiman Galadima adjourned the case indefinitely, to be continued when the panel reconvenes in January 2022
Justice Galadima also ordered the National Human Rights Commission to investigate the matter.
Emmanuel Ukoh
