The Bauchi state judicial panel of inquiry set up by the state governor Bala Mohammed to investigate human rights abuses by the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian police has received 10 petitions against the police by the state residents.
Chairman of the panel Justice Habibu Idris Shall disclosed this Wednesday during the inaugural sitting of the committee held at the Bauchi state high court.
He said the panel of inquiry was formed sequel to the nationwide protests by the youth in parts of the country against alleged brutality by the SARS.
According to him, the mandates of the panel are to receive written or oral evidence of SARS brutality from the victims, determine those responsible, recommend them for prosecution, compensation and measures to be taken by the government to forestall future recurrence of violent protests.
“You would recall that after inauguration, the panel called for the submission of petitions either written or oral, directly by victims or through their counsel.
“The panel has received a total of 10 petitions and shall begin hearing the petitions immediately.” He said.
Justice Habibu assured that the panel would sit on a day to day basis so long as there is a petition to be heard adding that victims are at liberty to present their case personally or be represented by their counsels.
