The Judicial Panel of Inquiry found out to research police brutality and other related extra-judicial killings in Kaduna State said it received 29 petitions as of December 10, 2020.
Speaking in an interview in Kaduna on Thursday, the chairman of the panel, Justice David. S. Wyom (rtd) disclosed that a complete number of 29 petitions are filed before his panel.
He said public hearing/sitting of this panel shall be conducted at the Banquet of State House on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays hebdomadally unless otherwise stated.
“This panel will strictly uphold the tenets of hearing to all or any persons or groups appearing before it.
“The public sitting/hearing shall commence on January 5, 2021, at 10 a.m within the banquet Hall and shall remain so in subsequent sittings/hearing unless otherwise directed,” he said.
Recall, the panel which was one among the primary to be found out within the country was inaugurated by Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe following the directive of the National council for the establishment of a state-based judicial panel of inquiry across the country.
The panel was mandated to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality, extra-judicial killings and human rights violations to deliver justice to all or any victims.
In Kaduna, the panel is predicted to guage the evidence presented, draw a conclusion on the validity of complaints, and receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related recommend compensation and other remedial measures.
The panel, made from representatives of civil society, students, youths, National Human Rights Commission and therefore the office of the Attorney-General of the state, is predicted to conduct its assignment and submit its report within a maximum period of six (6) months unless the panel shows convincing reasons why the governor would approve an extension of your time .
Intimating the citizens on the way to lodge their complaints, Wyom hinted that, after series of meetings, the panel resolved to call persons with complaints to forward written sworn submission to the panel through the Ministry of Justice Zonal office in Zaria for Zone one, Department of Citizens Right Ministry of Justice, the Panel Secretariat at Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina House, Kawo and therefore the Human Rights Commission Zonal office Kaduna for Zone two while zone three should approach Ministry of Justice zonal office Kafanchan.
“All the 23 secretaries to government across the state are to function submission points.
“It was also resolved that each one petitions/memoranda were to be submitted on or before November 25, 2020. However, thanks to logistic problems, we felt there was the necessity to increase the time-frame for submission to January 29, 2021.
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