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IIP-SARS AWARDS N431, 884,094m COMPENSATION TO 100 VICTIMS OF POLICE BRUTALITY

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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.

Also Read: ISWAP Kills 8 Boko Haram in a rival clash in Borno

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

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Troops Arrest Suspect Over Killing of More Than 50 Cattle in Edo

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Troops Arrest Suspect Over Killing of More Than 50 Cattle in Edo

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation MESA have arrested a suspected criminal linked to the killing of more than 50 cattle belonging to Fulani herders in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Security sources said that the suspect was arrested at about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday following credible intelligence on his whereabouts.

According to the sources, troops of 4 Brigade operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Uromi apprehended the suspect at his residence in Oloshi Main Town.

The suspect had reportedly been on the run since May 31, when he allegedly led an attack that resulted in the killing of over 50 cattle in the Oloshi general area.

The sources said the arrest was made after sustained efforts by security agencies to track down those involved in the incident.

Following his arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Security agencies have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals connected to the attack.

Troops Arrest Suspect Over Killing of More Than 50 Cattle in Edo

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Crime

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno

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Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducting an ongoing operation in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno have arrested suspected kidnappers and recovered two AK-47 rifles from them.

Sources involved in the operation disclosed on Friday that the suspects were apprehended during a targeted security operation ahead of Magumeri town.

According to the sources, the operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 assault rifles believed to have been used by the suspects in criminal activities within the area.

The sources further revealed that preliminary interrogation of the suspects had yielded valuable intelligence that could assist security agencies in tracking and arresting other members of the kidnapping network.

“The suspects have provided useful information that can aid further operations and lead to the arrest of additional members of the criminal syndicate,” the source said.

The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle kidnapping and other criminal networks operating in parts of Borno State.

Security authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the operation, while investigations and follow-up actions are continuing.

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno

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Crime

Police Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Zamfara

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Police Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Zamfara

By Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have rescued six kidnapped victims and recovered a stolen motorcycle following a gun battle with armed bandits along the Anka–Gurusu Road in Zamfara State.

The command said the operation was carried out at about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday by personnel of the Violence Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) during ongoing anti-banditry operations.

According to the police, the operatives received credible intelligence that heavily armed bandits had blocked the Anka–Gurusu Road and abducted six travellers along with their two motorcycles while they were travelling from Mayanchi village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara to Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Acting on the information, the police team mobilised to the area and tracked the bandits to their hideout.

Upon contact, the suspects reportedly engaged the operatives in a gun duel.

The police said the operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee into the surrounding forest with suspected gunshot injuries.

As a result of the operation, all six abducted victims were rescued unhurt, while one of the stolen motorcycles was recovered.

The second motorcycle was, however, taken away by the fleeing bandits.

The command said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the suspects as well as recover the remaining motorcycle.

The Zamfara State Police Command reiterated its commitment to tackling banditry and other violent crimes across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and actionable information to security agencies.

Police Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Zamfara

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