By Saminu Ibrahim
The Independent Investigative Panel on allegations of Human Rights Violations by the defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian police in Abuja gave a landmark judgement in favour of a complainant.
The complainant, Mr. Gabriel Ofoma had approached the panel praying it to order the police to return certificate of occupancy of his land allegedly confiscated by officers of the CP monitoring Unit of the Nigerian police FCT Command.
Following the official hand over of the said document to the real owner, chairman of the of the panel, Justice Suleiman Galadima said “there is an end to every litigation”, saying the matter has been put to an end and no more.
The former Justice of Supreme Court of Nigeria commended the police for producing the land title document to the complainant.
Justice Suleiman stated that it is important to encourage a peaceful settlement in all matters, and expressed hope that the police will keep it up. “On this note the matter is concluded and closed”, the eminent Jurist stated.
Meanwhile, the complainant said he has nothing further against the police, stressing he is not joining issues with the police.
According to Ofoma, his prayers before the panel was for the land title document to be produced and handed over to him, which the panel succeeded in doing.
He noted that the controversy and dispute over the document is over since his prayers before the panel have been answered.
Meanwhile, Counsel to the police, DCP James Idachaba in his submission told the panel that the police were in the panel to assist it and complainants, explaining that they have being doing that and will continue to do the same.
Specifically Idachaba said the police is not the owner of the title document.
He added that the police is not in contention or disputing the fact of the matter, saying the person being prosecuted for theft of the document is no more, emphasising that the IPO, Inspector Iliya in charge of the case, has returned the document to the owner.
