PANEL OF INQUIRY ON POLICE BRUTALITY BEGINS SITTING IN ABIA

Reporter: LAWRENCE NWOKEDI

The Judicial Panel of Inquiry setup by the Abia State Government on Police brutality, Extra Judicial killings and other related matters has commenced its sitting.

Speaking at the inaugural sitting, the Chairman of the panel, Justice Sunday Imo, said that the panel should in line with its mandate ensure that those who were victims of Police brutality and maltreatment got the required justice and possibly put to an end any form of Police harassment, intimidation and abuse of right of the citizens of the state by officers and men of the Nigeria Police.

Justice Imo assured the people that the panel would discharge its functions without fear or favor in line with the terms of reference and mandate outlined by the state government in setting it up.

The Secretary of the panel and Solicitor General of the State, Mrs. Uzoamaka Ikonne, expressed confidence in the abilities of members of the panel to discharge their functions credibily and commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for inaugurating the panel

She noted that panel had received over forty petitions from the public on Police brutality and killings.

Meanwhile, four of the cases that were entertained by the panel were later adjourned until the November 18, 2020 for further hearing

The panel has twelve weeks from the date of its inauguration to submit its report to the government.