A group under the aegis of SPACES FOR CHANGE, S4C, has provided free legal representation and support to more victims of police brutality, extra-judicial killings and #EndSARS protests at the Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations by Defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and Other Units of the Nigerian Police Force before the National Human Rights Commission Secretariat in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
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One of the cases they handled was between a teenager and the Officer in Charge of SARS, Guzape Division, Abuja; FCT Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General of the Police (IGP).
The teenager was shot several times on his right hand, illegally detained and denied access to healthcare for several days by SARS officers who claimed to be investigating a kidnap case in the area. The incident left the teenager with a severe nerve damage of his right hand.
The petition came up for hearing on Feb 26, 2021, and the S4C’s legal team that represented the teenager was led by Omotayo Odukola and Eroga Godspower
They led evidence in support of the Petitioner’s case and tendered additional information to back up the facts established in the petition. The teenager testified before the panel, recounting the horrific details of his ordeal at the hands of SARS officers. SXZ, is still undergoing treatment and therapy due to the loss of nervous coordination on his right hand caused by the gunshots. The treatment and therapy sessions have also drained his finances. Concluding his testimony, the Petitioner demanded compensation in the sum of Three Hundred Million Naira (N300,000.00) for the trauma, illegal detention, cost of medical expenses and the violation of his constitutional rights prohibiting torture and inhuman treatment. He also prayed the Panel to order the release of his mobile phones, computer and other personal belongings that were illegally taken from him and his relatives by SARS operatives. The Petitioner also demanded a public apology from the office of the IGP.
According to the S4C, “Counsel to the Respondents admitted that the Petitioner is a victim of police brutality. He promised to ensure the return of the phones and computer seized from the Petitioner and his relatives. He, however, informed the Panel that the Petitioner is currently before High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on the same subject matter. The Panel directed Respondents’ counsel to identify the officers involved in shooting the Petitioner so that they can be brought to justice. The matter was further adjourned to 13th April, 2021 for cross-examination and possible conclusion of hearing.”
The Group handled another matter before the Imo Judicial Panel of Inquiry. S4C’s Legal Officer, Kingsley Ogam-Okafor, Esq. moved a motion for the Commission of Inquiry to consolidate multiple petitions brought by family members in respect of the same matter of Mrs O’s whose late husband was shot and killed by officers of 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Obinze, Imo State during the EndSars protest and same was granted.
S4C led Mrs. O, the deceased’s wife in evidence. She adopted the petition before the Commission of Inquiry and demanded compensation in the sum of One Hundred Million Naira for the extrajudicial killing of her husband
The panel granted the application of the petitioner to foreclose the Respondents from cross examining the petitioner due to their antecedent of always being absent at the proceedings.
matter was adjourned to March 8 for adoption of final address
“Because the Respondent (Commandant of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze or their legal representatives) were absent, and as such, could not cross-examine the Petitioner, S4C moved another motion to foreclose the Nigerian Army from cross examining the petitioner. The motion was hinged on the antecedents of the Respondents in failing to appear before the Judicial Panel since the commencement of the panel sittings. Their nonchalant attitude to the proceedings further evinces a disdain for the Commission.
“The Counsel to the Commission equally applied to the Commission to take cognizance of the persistent absence of the Respondents in all the petitions brought against them. He supported S4C’s motion to foreclose the Respondent from cross-examining the Petitioner and her witnesses. Delivering the ruling on the applications, the Chairman of the Commission, Hon Justice Florence Duruoha-Igwe (Rtd), granted the reliefs sought. The matter was adjourned to March 8 for the adoption of final address. S4C is continuing to provide legal representation to victims of police brutality and #EndSARS protests with support from the Fund for Global Human Rights (FGHR).” the group said
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