#EndSARs: Panel Threatens to Rule against Police

The Acting Chairman of the Independent Investigative Panel on alleged human rights violations by the defunct Special Anti-robbery Squad, SARS, Garba Tetengi has threatened to give judgment against the force based on the evidence before it due to lack of commitment by the force.

Mr Tetengi who stated this at the panel sitting in Abuja, expressed dissatisfaction with the excuses given by the counsel to the police on why they could not open their defense.

 He explained that most of the cases which bordered on extrajudicial killing and enforced disappearance have been adjourned for the often time without the force bringing forth the indicted officers.

The Acting Chairman of the panel adjourned the cases for the last time for definite defense until the 8th of this month.

Counsel to the Police, Kenneth Ogbochuwa had prayed the panel to give the force enough time to get responses from the officers concerned as messages were being sent to them.

Another case that was heard was that of one Mrs. Blessing Orji who accused a policeman in Karu Police Station, Abuja Nse Etim of assault, illegal detention and torture on October 12, 2012.

Mrs. Orji told the panel that though a magistrate court had ruled against the police, the force was yet to pay the damages awarded against them.

She is seeking ten million naira compensation for the abuse of her fundamental human rights.

The case was adjourned until the 8th of this month for a definite hearing.

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