#EndSARS: IGP orders probe of suit against judicial panels

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has ordered an investigation into the suit challenging the legality of the judicial panels set up by state governors to probe allegations of police brutality and human rights abuses.

The National Economic Council (NEC) had directed governors to establish judicial panels after the #EndSARS protests, in October as a way of getting justice for victims of police brutality and their families.

But on Thursday, the police legal department filed a suit at a Federal High Court in Abuja through its counsel, O.M Atoyebi, arguing that the establishment of panels violated the constitution and section 21 of the tribunals of inquiry act.

Atoyebi also asked the court to restrain the defendants from conducting any investigation or setting up panels to probe the affairs of the police.

Reacting to the development, the IGP expressed disapproval, saying the force would not stop in ensuring that victims get justice.

In a statement signed by police spokesman, Frank Mba, the IGP said the officer responsible for suit had been queried and might be sanctioned “if found guilty of dereliction of duty”.

“The Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has directed immediate investigations into a suit purportedly challenging the legality of the States’ Judicial Panel of Inquiry, investigating allegations by citizens against officers of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS),” the statement said.

“The IGP, who gave the order on the heels of trending reports in the media, today 3rd December, 2020, expressed the disapproval of the Force Management Team on the matter and ordered investigations into the alleged role of the Force Legal Section including its Head. Meanwhile, the Force Legal Officer has been queried and may face further sanctions if found guilty of dereliction of duty.

“The IGP reiterates the commitment of the Force to fulfilling all its obligations with regards to the disbandment of the defunct SARS, the ongoing Judicial Panels and all other police reform.”