Crime
IIP-SARS AWARDS N431, 884,094m COMPENSATION TO 100 VICTIMS OF POLICE BRUTALITY
IIP-SARS AWARDS N431, 884,094m COMPENSATION TO 100 VICTIMS OF POLICE BRUTALITY
By: Michael Mike
The Independent Investigative Panel on human rights violations by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad, and other Units of the Nigeria Police Force (IIP-SARS), sitting in Abuja, has awarded compensations to 100 victims of police brutality, to the tune of about N431, 884,094 million.
The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Governing Council Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Sulaiman disclosed that the panel heard a total of 294 cases out of which decisions were made on 292. She made this disclosure during the symbolic presentation of cheques to the families and victims of police brutality at the Headquarters of the (NHRC) in Abuja.
She used the opportunity of the award ceremony to express the Council’s appreciation to Nigerians who trusted the Commission by filing petitions to the IIP-SARS, adding that the act shows their belief in the human rights mechanisms of Nigeria
The NHRC chairperson further stated that “as an independent National Human Rights Institution, the Commission will continue to exercise its mandate to promote and protect the human rights of every Nigerian, using various constituted mechanisms under the National Human Rights Commission Act (as amended)”.
She assured that “the Commission will work towards putting in place a permanent mechanism through which we will address cases of police brutality and other associated human rights violations arising from law enforcement and security operations”.
The Panel Chairman, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Suleiman Galadima (CFR), who brought his wealth of experience to bear throughout the panel sitting, expressed appreciation to all who made the IIP-SARS a success.
While urging state governments with similar panels to harmonize their report for appropriate actions, Justice Galadima rtd. advised them to set aside funds for the panels to carry out their functions.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC who believes that there cannot be impunity in Nigeria forever expressed delight that the Commission was able to get justice for victims of police brutality.
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He thanked the Buhari-led administration for making funds available for payment of compensation saying “the Commission laboured day and night to ensure that there is some sort of closure for the victims and their families”.
Stressing the need for accountability for human rights violations, the learned silk said, “The ceremony today is to tell you that we have acknowledged the violation of your rights and we are putting this forward in good faith to say we are sorry”.
“The amount paid today will not solve all the problems but to ensure that where there is a violation of rights, there must be a remedy.”
“This is a clear indication that we should not take the laws into our hands. The course of Justice may be slow, but surely we will get there and what happened today is an indication that Nigeria will be better” he affirmed.
Secretary of the panel and the Senior Human Rights Adviser to the Executive Secretary, Mr. Hillary Ogbonna, disclosed that allegations in the petitions that were determined, bordered on extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, cruel inhuman and degrading treatment by police officers, prolonged detention, abuse of power, as well as non-payment of judgment debts.
He lamented that some of the victims died before the panel could conclude its investigations that spanned for a period of two years.
“It is quite unfortunate that some of the petitioners are no more. Some of them died within the last eight months”. He said, ” We are making arrangements with their families and lawyers to ensure that they receive their compensations”.
On what happens to the indicted police officers, the Panel Secretary has this to say: “some of you may be wondering, what about the police personnel who perpetrated these violations? The panel has also made recommendations on what should be done to some indicted police officers. The report will soon be submitted to the appropriate authorities”.
IIP-SARS AWARDS N431, 884,094m COMPENSATION TO 100 VICTIMS OF POLICE BRUTALITY
Gunmen attack churches, abduct unspecified number of worshippers in Kajuru, Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Bandits have attacked two churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and abducted an unspecified number of worshippers.
A reliable source told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on Jan. 18 at about 11:25 a.m., when the assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and Cherubim and Seraphim Church II in the community.
The source said the exact number of worshippers taken to an unknown destination was yet to be ascertained as the community was still gathering details.
Kurmin Wali, he noted, is located in a remote, forested area with difficult terrain, which has complicated immediate access to the scene.
Following the incident, troops of 1 Division and other security forces were mobilised in collaboration with community stakeholders to the area, while concerted efforts were intensified to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Gunmen attack churches, abduct unspecified number of worshippers in Kajuru, Kaduna
Police rescue two abducted victims in Gusau, search for others continues
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Zamfara State have rescued two victims abducted by suspected bandits during a midnight attack on a residence in Gusau Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:20 a.m. on Sunday at Igala Quarters, Damba area of Gusau, when a group of armed men stormed the house of one Nasiru Kurya and fired sporadically before abducting his wife, Surayya Nasiru, 30, and two other persons.
“On receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) mobilised his men to the scene and confirmed the incident. A search operation was immediately launched across the area,” the source said.
He explained that during the combing of the vicinity and adjoining routes, the police rescued two of the abducted victims identified as Nura Sani, 23, and Abdulgafar Hassan Buba, 23, unhurt.
The source added that the rescued victims were taken to the Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau, for medical checks and further care.
According to him, efforts are in top gear to rescue the remaining abducted victim from the hands of the bandits and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He urged residents to remain calm and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
Police rescue two abducted victims in Gusau, search for others continues
Missing inspector, four villagers escape from abductors in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
A police inspector earlier reported missing, Aliyu Ibrahim, and four villagers have escaped from their abductors in Zamfara State, the police have confirmed.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims fled from the kidnappers’ den and made their way to safety, with the inspector currently receiving medical attention at a military facility in Farin Kasa village.
The source said that following the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state directed that an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) be dispatched from Gusau to convey the inspector to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) for further treatment.
“Inspector Aliyu Ibrahim and four villagers have successfully escaped from captivity. The inspector is stable and undergoing medical care, while arrangements are being made to move him to FMC for comprehensive treatment,” the source said.
He added that security agencies had intensified efforts to locate and rescue the remaining abducted villagers and to recover the firearms carted away by the kidnappers during the incident.
According to the source, operations to track the criminals are ongoing across the affected areas as part of broader measures to curb banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State.
Missing inspector, four villagers escape from abductors in Zamfara
Gunmen attack churches, abduct unspecified number of worshippers in Kajuru, Kaduna
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