Human Rights Violations: Nigerian Police cautions Panel against fraudsters

The Nigerian Police has cautioned the Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations by the defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian police to be mindful of dubious persons that may take advantage of the panel to make money.

Counsel to the Nigerian Police, James Idachaba made the submission during the hearing on the alleged threat to life brought before the panel by Mr Bello Akubuokwu against the Nigerian Police.

The complainant, Mr Bello Akubuokwu in his testimony said while on his way to his bank in Abuja on the 22 of July 2020, he boarded a vehicle and alighted close to the court of Appeal intending to board another vehicle to Garki, the location of his bank.

Mr Bello said he had to walk towards the Police Headquarters, to enable him to get to the next bus stop.

Unknown to him, there was an altercation between the Nigerian Police and the members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria which resulted in the use of firearms, unfortunately, he was hit by a stray bullet on his left hand.

According to Mr Bello, he was taken to the National Hospital after being rejected by Garki hospital for treatment.

He is seeking compensation for the cost of his treatment, inconveniences, and loss of his phone including the pain he suffered.

Responding, Counsel to the Nigerian Police, James Idachaba stated that the complainant has failed to establish any proof because he did not identify the source of his injury in his testimony before the panel.

According to him, it is not only the police that bears arms; therefore, the complainant must clearly identify the Police Officer who is responsible for the injury he is alleging.

Mr Idachaba also averred that the complainant is only wishfully thinking and speculating about his case hence urged the Panel to be mindful.

Zainab Sa’id