An Independent Investigation panel on alleged human rights violations has demanded that the case file of a petitioner, Blessing Orji, be brought before it.
The panel is investigating the allegations of human rights violations by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other units of the Nigerian Police.
The Panel Chairman, Justice Suleiman Galadima, retired, who was represented by Garba Tetengi made the demand after James Idachaba, a police counsel said they were hinging their defence on the judgment of the court.
Orji had in a petition dated November 16, 2020, accused the police of torture, cruelty, inhuman, and degrading treatment.
The respondents were Cpl Nse Etim, FCT Command, Commissioner of police FCT and the Inspector General of Police in the petition marked 2020/IIP-SARS/ABJ/128.
The petitioner said the incident happened on Oct 12, 2012, while she was on a motorcycle returning home with her son from her business place.
She alleged that the officer stopped them in the middle of the road and collected the key from the rider.
The petitioner said the officer removed the keys, adding; “the next motorcyclist following us hit me on the leg and I confronted him to know why he did that.”
She added that the officer hit her and called her names.
Orji claimed she bled as they (police) dragged her to their station and kept her for three days without medical attention until her husband came back from his journey.
The petitioner said, the police charged her before a magistrates’ court but later discharged her.
She, therefore, demanded N10 million as compensation from the police for what she suffered in their custody.
At the resumed sitting, her counsel, Halilu Adamu, informed the panel that he had written to the court for the copy of the judgment.
The respondents’ counsel Idachaba told the panel that their defence would be hinged on the judgment.
He said the respondent named in the petition was on transfer to Calabar.
Adamu told the panel that this same information by Idachaba was given at last sitting.
He also adjourned until March 25, for the copy of the judgment and final written addresses of parties. NAN