Commission of Inquiry: F-SARS Highest Acts Of Brutality Recorded In Rivers – Commission

The chairman of the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the alleged acts of Violence, torture, brutality, murder and violation of fundamental rights of citizens by officers, men, and operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Rivers State, Rtd Justice C.I. Uriri Tuesday, disclosed that the state recorded the highest number of petitions in any single state of the federation.

Justice Uriri made the disclosure  during the  inaugural sitting of the commission.

Although he said that the panel has at the commencement of it’s sitting received the total of 171 petitions which according to him is the highest in the country, sources revealed that the panel would be handling over 300 petitions which adjudges Rivers the state with the highest number of F-SARS brutality.

Describing the panel as a fact finding body, separate and distinct from regular courts of law with ultimate responsibility to humanity, the chairman of the commission of Inquiry said the panel is enjoined by law to make its own rules for effective administration of Justice.

He assured that the panel which will sit on a daily basis at 10 am  shall admit any evidence, written or oral provided it is relevant to humanity adding that the panel is expected to submit its report to the Governor of Rivers State within 60 days from the date of its first sitting.

 He informed that the panel’s terms of reference amongst others are as follows, “ascertain and identify the remote and immediate causes of the alleged act of violence, torture, brutality, murder and violation of fundamental rights of citizens, committed by officers, men and operatives of the of the Police, particularly, the Special anti robbery Squad(F-SARS), in the state.

“Ascertain whether any of the officers, men and operatives of the Police force, particularly, men of F-SARS involved in the alleged act of violence, torture, brutality, murder and violation of the fundamental rights of citizens and or other atrocities involved was sponsored, counselled or controlled by any person, or group of persons or officer or officers of Rivers state Government, by whatsoever resignation called.

“Identify the persons or group of persons who counselled, procured and or sponsored the alleged act of violence, torture, brutality, murder and violation of fundamental rights of citizens committed by officers, men and operatives of the Police, especially men of the F-SARS, in River State.

” Identify the officers, men and operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, especially men if the F-SARS who carried out, committed or participated in the commission and the act of violence, torture, brutality, murder and violation of fundamental rights of citizens including other atrocities in Rivers state.

“Are there other victims of the same direct act of violence, torture, brutality, murder and violation of the fundamental rights, or other atrocities committed by officers, men and operatives of the Police Force, especially, F-SARS in Rivers state.

“Ascertain the main motive of the officers men or operatives of the Police Force, especially the F-SARS, who participated in the commission of the alleged act of violence, torture, murder and violation of the fundamental rights of citizens and other atrocities that occurred in the state.

“Ascertain whether any reckless or violate act of violence, torture, brutality murder and or violation of fundamental human rights and or other atrocities is being held in the counsel or custody or identity of such victim and their place of detention.

“Ascertain if any private or public property was damaged or confiscated by the perpetrators of alleged acts of violence, torture, murder, brutality and violation of fundamental human rights and or other atrocities that occurred in Rivers State and the degree of such damage”.

He further said that the commission is expected to make appropriate recommendations to Government on measures and means of preventing the occurrence of such acts of violence, torture, brutality, murder and violation of fundamental rights of citizens by officers,men and operatives of the Nigeria Police Force particularly the special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) in Rivers State.

Promising to do justice at all times irrespective of colour, age, religion, culture and tribe, Rtd Justice Uriri hinted that the panel has for ease of reference published its cause lists for the rest of the year adding that the panel would proceed on Christmas vacation for 4 days starting on 24th – 27th December 2020 and thereafter resume sitting on Monday 28th December 2020 for the rest of the year.