SARS Extrajudicial Killings: Cross River panel adjourns sitting
The independent investigation panel investigating human rights violations by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other units of the police on Tuesday adjourned for the adoption of written addresses by both the prosecution and defence.
This move came after the police counsel, Mr Fidelis Ogbobe, told the panel that he had no witnesses to call.
The panel chairman, Suleiman Galadima (retd.), had earlier directed the police commissioner in Cross River and the security adviser to the governor to appear before it.
This was in connection with their alleged roles in Operation Skolombo, which resulted in the death of one Emmanuel Ita Ephraim.
The panel also ordered ASP Marcus Joe to appear before it, following his alleged role in depositing Ephraim’s remains in the mortuary of the General Hospital, Calabar.
The panel also mandated the police to produce before the panel a certified true copy of the police station’s crime diary where the movement of the deceased body was documented after Operation Skolombo operatives allegedly killed him.
At the panel’s resumed sitting on Tuesday, the counsel to the police said he did not have any witnesses to call.
Mr Galadima subsequently adjourned the sitting until December 2 to adopt written addresses by both prosecution and defence.
Paul Offiong had petitioned on behalf of his late brother, alleging the extrajudicial killing of Mr Ephraim.
In his petition, Mr Offiong joined the defunct SARS Calabar, Operation Skolombo, Calabar, Col. Mohammed Inuwa Hafiz, SP Kabiru Salisu and the Inspector-General of Police.
On November 30 and December 15, 2020, Offiong testified before the panel. He explained that on June 17, 2017, his brother was shot by the operatives while Mr Ephraim was on his way to church.
Operation Skolombo includes DSS, Navy and NSCDC operatives, a security outfit set up by the Cross River government to maintain peace and order.
Under cross-examination, the fourth respondent ACP Kabiru Salisu told the panel that the police personnel were not part of Operation Skolombo when Mr Ephraim was killed.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Africa
Mahama approves $3.5 billion fund to boost Ghana’s oil production
Mr Mahama stated, “We have committed upstream players to invest more money to drill new wells to raise the volumes of oil and gas we are producing.”
Lagos
Police arraign businessman over alleged N23.2 million fraud
The magistrate adjourned the case until July 16 for mention.
States
Katsina launches cervical cancer screening for 500 women
She described the project as a major step toward protecting women from one of the most preventable cancers.
Abuja
Gwagwalada traders seek area council support to bolster fire safety
The chairman urged traders to acquire basic firefighting equipment for their shops.
States
CSO decries Osun violence ahead of governorship electionÂ
The TOM executive director raised concern over the increasing use of social media to spread fake news, misinformation and cyberbullying.
States
Five local governments in Kwara at risk of flooding: NEMA
The local government areas are Edu, Baruten, Kaiama, Moro and Patigi.
