#ENDSARS: Delta state Panel of Inquiry resumes

Post created on 9:26 am

The Delta State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on police brutality and extra judicial killings On Monday held its inaugural sitting in Asaba.

The Panel heard its first case, which involved a young man that allegedly went missing in police custody last year.

Bereaved father of the young man, Christopher Okpuru, narrated to the panel on how his son was arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) since August 2019 and his whereabouts had remained unknown.

In the petition, Okpuru told the panel that his 31-year-old son, Councillor, was allegedly arrested and detained at the ‘B’ Division Asaba on trumped-up charges.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Panel, Justice Celestina Ogisi (rtd) in his inaugural speech stated that “The panel will be fair to all those who bring their complaints before it by ensuring that Justice is not only done but manifestly seen to be done.

Speaking on the turnout, Ogisi stated that the response was not encouraging despite several advertorials calling for memoranda from members of the public. He solicited for the support of civil society groups.

“Other civil society groups and non-governmental agencies can also step in and provide the necessary assistance.”

She announced that memoranda could also be submitted at the zonal offices of the State Ministry of Justice in Warri, Ughelli, Effurun, Agbor, Kwale, Ozoro, and Sapele.

The Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr Hafiz Inuwa who was represented by his Deputy in charge of Administration and Finance, Josephine Angansinti, assured of the Command’s resolve to cooperate with the panel during the exercise.

Urging more victims to approach the panel to demand redress, the Chairman of the Panel, Justice Celestina Ogisi (rtd) adjourned its sitting to Wednesday 4th of November 2020.