#EndSARS: Police Withdraw Suit To Halt Judicial Probe

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has withdrawn a suit challenging the legality of the judicial panels set up by state governors to probe allegations of police brutality.

The NPF’s lawyer O. M. Atoyebi had filed a suit asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the judicial panel of inquiry because its activities violate the constitution and section 21 of the tribunals of inquiry act.

The suit also argued that the action of the governors to investigate the activities of the force “is unconstitutional, illegal null and void and of no effect whatsoever”.

However, in a notice of discontinuance filed on Friday, Festus Ibude, a lawyer representing the NPF said: “Take notice that the plaintiff herein intends to and doth hereby wholly withdraws its suit against all the defendants.”

Listed as defendants in the case include the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the attorneys-general of the states and chairmen of the panels set up by the states.

Earlier, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammad Adamu had expressed his disapproval, saying the force will not stop in ensuring that victims get justice.

The police spokesperson, Frank Mba in a statement noted that the officer responsible for the 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 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,” the statement said.