#EndSARS: Abia Judicial Panel Begins Sitting

The 16-member judicial panel of inquiry inaugurated by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on Friday 23 October, 2020 to investigate allegations of extra-judicial killings and brutality by police and other security agents in the state commenced inaugural sitting on Tuesday, November 10, 2020.

The panel is headed by retired Justice Sunday Imo.

Other members of the panel are – Mrs. Uzoamaka Ikonne, Mr. John Nwakanma, Mr. Daniel Chinagozi, Mr. Zuby Ariwa, Mr. Eric Ikwuagwu, Bishop Sunday Onuoha and Mr. John Emejor.

The rest are – Mr. Nnanna Nwafor, Mrs. Doris Ogala, Mrs. Uche Nwokocha, Mr. Nkemjika Nnadozie, Mr. Enyinnaya Nwigwe, Mrs. Anastasia Uchenna, Mr. Ndubuaku Nwogu, and Mr. Steve Sylvanus.

Governor Ikpeazu had directed the panel to investigate all forms of police brutality, extortion and intimidation from 2015 to date, and to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the #EndSARS protest and other grievances associated with it.

One of the panel members, Eric Ikwuagwu, while speaking with newsmen confirmed the commencement of sitting, adding that the panel had received several petitions.

During the sitting, the head of the panel, Justice Sunday Imo assured petitioners that their petitions will be heard and justice delivered.

Four petitions were presented during the inaugural sitting but none was argued.

The sitting was adjourned to tomorrow, Wednesday November 11, 2020.