#EndSARS: IGP orders probe of suit against judicial panels

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

After the #EndSARS protests, in October, the national economic council (NEC) had directed governors to establish judicial panels as means of getting justice for all victims of police brutality and their families.

But on Thursday, the police legal department filed a suit in a federal high court in Abuja through its counsel, O.M Atoyebi, arguing that the establishment of panels violates 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 will not stop in ensuring that victims get justice.

In a statement signed by Frank Mba, police spokesman, the IGP said the officer responsible for suit has been queried and may 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 read.

“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.”