At the Abia State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on police brutality, extortion and killing, four cases were called but the the defendants represented by Stanley Ofoegbu asked that cases be adjourned so he can get familiar with the cases.
The panel which held at the Aguiyi Ironsi hall in Umuahia was chaired by Rt. Hon. Justice Imo with a 21 man panel sitting started on Tuesday, 10th November as a measure to bring justice to victims of police brutality in Abia State.
Below is the breakdown;
The chairman of the panel, Rt. Hon. Justice Imo declared the 21 man panel sitting open with an address which was essentially on the independent nature of the panel. He thanked those who were in attendance and promised them of fair hearing to all the parties. He equally thanked the Governor of Abia state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for empanelling such inquiry at this pivotal moment in our nation.
The Nigeria bar association, Abia state branch gave some opening remarks through it’s Aba branch chairman and pledged free services to any Complainant that will request. The NUJ Abia state chapter and the National council of women society also gave their opening remarks.
Four matters were on the cause list.
*Complaint No JUD/AB/1/2020 – Mrs Charity Ohalete Ugwuiro (for and behalf of Mr. Onyekachi Ohalete Ugwuiro- deceased)
VS
1.Commissioner of police, Abia state
2.DPO Uzuakoli police station.
Complainant was present. SP Stanley Offoegbu, OC legal Abia state police command appeared for respondents 1&2.
The defence lawyer asked for time to acquaint himself with the matter as he was only served in the panel that day. The Nigeria Bar Association, Abia state chapter who offered their services pro bono to indigent petitioners, had O.O. Onozie esq appear for the applicant. Barr. O. O. Onozie argued that the applicant can open up her case immediately to give life to the matter. The chairman of the panel, Rt. Hon. Justice Sunday Imo after due considerations adjourned the matter to the 18th of November, 2020 to allow both parties to be present in the hearing for equity and fairness. He ordered the baliffs to serve notices on that parties.
Same repeated for the other 3 matters because of similar reasons.
*Complaint No: JUD/AB/2/2020- Mrs Esther Ibiam Orji (for and on behalf of Ibiam Orji Uka- deceased)
VS
1. Commissioner of Police, Abia state
2. D.P.O Central police station Aba.
*Complaint No: JUD/AB/3/2020- Umua nneibo maternal family, ebem ohafia (for and on behalf of Mr. Friday Arunsi- Deceased)
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1.Commissioner of Police, Abia state.
2.D.P.O Ebem ohafia police station.
Appearance for applicant- Ngozi ukwuehi
For the defendant 1&2 – SP Stanley Offoegbu
*Complaint NO: JUD/AB/4/2020- Mr. Onyemechi Chukwunyere C
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1. Commissioner of police, Abia state.
2.D.P.O. Central police station umuahia
3. ogunmuyiwa Sabiru (ASP) Leader SARS team.
All matters were adjourned to the 18th of November, 2020 to enable all the parties to be served notices.
The panel sitting was adjourned to the 11th day of November, 2020 for more cases.
A total of 44 submissions have been received by the Secretariat.
MEDIA PUBLICITY
Eric Ikwuagwu
