From Ameachi Prosper (The New Diplomat’s Delta Correspondent)
Chairman Delta State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on incidence of police brutality in the state, Hon. Justice Celestina Ogisi has pledged to satisfy the call for justice by all who have been unfortunate or victims of police high-handedness.
Justice Ogisi who made the promise during the inaugural sitting of the panel in Asaba on Monday said, “Never again will our people have to go through this type of abuse in the hands of those who are supposed to protect them”.
Having issued several advertorial, calling for memoranda from interested members of the public who have been victims of police brutality or extra-judicial killings, Ogisi said public response has not been encouraging.
The Panel Chairman urged all victims to come forth without fear as she said that the panel will be fair to those who bring their complaints before it.
While soliciting for cooperation of all concerned stakeholders in order to bring succour to all victims, Justice Ogisi called on members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), to assist in making their service available.
“I wish to seek for the cooperation of the Nigeria Bar Association branches in the State to assist in making their services available on pro Bono basis to victims who in most cases are indigent in preparation of their memoranda before this Panel.
“The Panel intends to sit at Asaba and Warri. All those with complaints from the Warri Axis do not need to come to Asaba as a date will soon be announced for the Panel sitting in Warri,” Ogisi declared.
During his speech, Chairman of NBA, Asaba Branch, Esq. Nwabueze Ezeagwu commended members of the Panel for their service as he assured a robust backing of legal experts for victims.
Meanwhile, Delta state Deputy Commissioner of Police, Josephine Anyansinti who represented the State Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, said the Delta Command of Nigeria Police Force is happy to be part of the exercise in order to create a better security outfit.
Meanwhile, in the wake of investigation into Police Brutality in Delta State, Mr Christopher Ukpuru, a dredger on Monday petitioned the Delta State Police Command over alleged missing of his 31-year-old son, Mr Counsellor Ukpuru.
Ukpuru who deposed to an oath during the inaugural sitting of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry to Receive and Investigate Complaints of Police Brutality or Extra- judicial Killings in Asaba, alleged that the police operatives in Asaba arrested his son, Counsellor Ukpuru following a round up of suspected cult members on 8th August 2019.
Narrating his ordeal, the complainant said, “On 8th August 2019, I was in my work place when I received a call that my son, Counsellor Ukpuru was arrested by the Nigerian Police in Asaba. Then I quickly took permission from my boss to verify what led to the arrest.”
He added, ”I went to the A Division Police Station, Asaba where I saw my friend who told me he was there when my son was arrested. Then I asked him to tell me the station he was taken to but he told me he cannot do that.
“When I saw that there was no way to see him I decided to consult a lawyer to help me find out where my son was arrested to. Up till now, I have not seen my son.” he revealed.
The panel chairman, however adjourned the case to the next adjourned date.
