The Independent Investigation Panel on allegations of Human Rights Violations by SARS and other units of the Police Force on Thursday ordered the Nigeria Police to release the body of late Moses Mfe to his family for burial.
Dr. Garba Tetengi (SAN) who made this order while presiding the 11-Member panel on behalf of the Chairman, Justice Suleiman Galadima (rtd) agreed with complainants’ counsel N.T. Utsaha that since the Police have informed the panel about the death of Moses Mfe, the proper thing will be for the panel to order the release of his corpse to his family.
The counsel accordingly made an oral application to the panel for the release of Mfe’s corpse and it was granted.
Besides, Utsaha told the panel that there was a need to investigate the circumstances of the death of Moses Mfe in the interest of justice.
Prior to the above, Utsaha told the panel that it appears that the police are not interested in continuing with the matter even when it is necessary to unravel the truth about the matter.
He recalled that the order of the panel that Tersoo Toona who the Police alleged was an armed robber with the late Mfe should be taken to Makurdi, Benue state for trial was carried out.
He further informed the jurists that the order for arraignment was obeyed by the Police, saying the suspect was granted bail and was subsequently released from prison pending trial.
It would be recalled that the panel had in November 2020 ordered the police to arraign Raphael Tersoo Toona before a competent court of jurisdiction in Benue State on or before December 23, 2020.
Two suspects: Raphael Tersoo Toona and Moses Mfe, had through their Counsel, Utsaha, petitioned the panel, alleging arbitrary arrest and detention as well as cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
They joined one Inspector Vincent Makinde of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team; Commander, IGP-IRT, FCT Commissioner of Police; and IGP in the suit.
The Panel Chairman made the order for Toona’s arraignment, following Utsaha’s application for either his conditional or unconditional release on bail, pending the hearing of the petition.
The case was adjourned for report of the panel.
