#EndSARS: FCT Panel Opens Sitting, As NHRC Seeks Justice For All

The Federal Capital Territory Independent Investigation Panel on Human Rights Violations by defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other Units of the Nigeria Police Force began its maiden sitting on Wednesday.

Justice Suleiman Galadima (RTD) chairs the eight-man panel at the FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja.

On its part, the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC) advocated fair trial for the parties.

In his inaugural speech, NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, urged the panel to stick to the terms of reference.

“The panel must focus on substantial justice to both the complainants and the alleged violators because this is a Human Rights Commission Panel and must not be involved in miscarriage of justice.

“Justice as you are aware is a two way traffic , it is both for the complainant and for the alleged violator,” he said.

Recall that the federal government had called for the constitution of a panel of inquiry into the cases of alleged police brutality.

The directive came after widespread protests by EndSARS protesters, which led to the eventual disbanding of the squad.