The Independent Investigation Panel on Human Rights Violations by the defunct SARS and other units of the Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday permitted the hearing of some petitions before it via zoom to make it convenient for petitioners and police officers to seamlessly testify and give evidence before the panel.
The panel noted that the idea of a hybrid hearing is acceptable since there is the possibility of hearing some of the petitions via zoom, which has been approved by the Secretariat of the panel.
Dr. Garba Tetengi (SAN) a member of the panel who granted the permission on Tuesday noted that the panel is time bound, saying all parties should cooperate to enable the panel to dispense with the various cases within the set time.
Tetengi stated this when a case of alleged unlawful arrest, enforced disappearance and unlawful confiscation of properties brought by Mr. Lebara Tobias against the Police was called up on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Police through their lead counsel, James Idachaba pleaded for more time to reach out to the necessary officers whose presence are needed at the panel.
The respondents in the petition are SP Martins Samuel of IGP IRT Port-Harcourt Rivers state, ASP David Ameh Agbo of IGP IRT Port Harcourt Rivers state, ASP Amadi Ngozi of IGP IRT Port-Harcourt Rivers state, Commissioner of Police Rivers state and Inspector General of Police.
The matter was adjourned to 21st of March, 2022 at the instance of the Police, for hearing.
