The panel investigating rights violation by the Nigerian Police, especially the defunct Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, has decried the non appearance of summoned officers at the panel’s sitting.

The Independent Investigative Panel sitting in Abuja was set up by the federal government in November 2020, following the #EndSARS protest which was triggered by nationwide allegations of police brutality.

Hillary Ogbonna, secretary of the Abuja Panel, registered the panel’s dismay while briefing newsmen on the failure of police to be present at the panel sitting on Thursday.

Mr Ogbonna expressed surprise that none of the police officials needed was present at the panel in spite of the efforts by the panel to deliver its assigned tasks at a stipulated period.

“If this non punctuality attitude of the police becomes a pattern it is capable of bringing a setback to the mandate of the panel.

“The panel will continue to engage the police authority and other stakeholders to seek their cooperation to ensure that justice is done to the victims of police brutality.

“The records of the entire proceedings, especially todays’ will be given to the police without any charge,” he said.

The  panel had on Dect 23, 2021 adjourned sitting and resumed on March 1, 2022.

In all the petitions called on Thursday there was no police representation. 

(NAN)