The Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed, has named a 17-member Judicial Panel of Inquiry to probe police brutality and human rights abuses in the state.
According to Mohammed, the committee members were were chosen based on government’s belief in their abilities to be committed, fair and just.
“You have to bring your knowledge and wealth of experience to bear in handling the task before you. You should investigate and ascertain the level of human rights abuses perpetrated by the SARS.
“You are to receive evidences of human rights violations and recommend the best possible ways of enthroning social justice,” he said.
Mohammed gave the committee six months to submit its report, promising to accord it the necessary support to enhance effective discharge of its responsibilities.
Responding, the Chairman of the panel, Justice Habibu Idris (rtd.), expressed the readiness of members to show commitment in delivering on the task before them.
He commended the governor for the opportunity given them to serve, urging members of the public to support the panel with useful information to undertake the task ahead.
Members of the panel was drawn from stakeholder groups, such as the police, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and religious organisations based in the state.
Others were the chamber of commerce, women lawyers, youth and women groups, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and students’ association. (NAN)