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Tag: Abuja

  • Ohaneze laments huge number of uncollected PVCs in Southeast

    The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council worldwide on Friday urged registered voters in the southeast to collect their Permanent Voters cards (PVCs). It lamented the huge number of uncollected PVCs across the southeast and other parts of the country where Igbo reside, noting that this will undermine their voting strength.

    OYC National President, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, after their meetings in Abakaliki, made the call in a statement. OYC urged all the Igbo across the 36 states and Abuja to collect their PVCs to enable them vote for candidates of their choice in the election.

    “The OYC General Assembly observed that prior to 2015 elections when the All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled states in the southwest, it deliberately disenfranchised Igbo by denying them access to their PVCs, even after a few Igbo had won some House of Representatives seats in Lagos.

    Isiguzoro disclosed that the group had mandated its 31 states chairmen, which excludes the five core southeast states to mobilise Igbo outside the southeast to collect their PVCs.

    Ohanaeze also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the deadline for the collection of PVCs till January ending to enable those who travelled or registered in their hometowns to freely collect their cards.

    The group further implored the southeast governors, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Muslim community, religious leaders, southeast town unions, and student union leaders, especially from Zone B, traditional rulers, market unions, and Biafra agitators to mobilise for the collection of voters cards.

  • APC’s lawyer stalls hearing in suit seeking Akeredolu’s sack

    The planned commencement of trial in the suit seeking the sack of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State was stalled on Friday owing to the absence of Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), lawyer to the APC and its Chairman.

    A Federal High Court in Abuja had on December 11 last year adjourned the case, filed by APC chieftain, Olusegun Abraham, to January 15 this year for hearing. But, upon request by lawyers in the case, the court rescheduled the case to January 18 for trial.

    When the case was called on Friday, Muritata Abdulrasheed, who announced appearance for the APC and its Chairman (1st and 3rd defendants), informed the court that the lead lawyer for his clients, Fagbemi was absent in court because he was bereaved and had travelled to Kwara State for his auntie’s burial.

    Abdulrasheed, who said he was informed about the development on Friday morning, said he could not handle the case in the absence of the leader of his team, who he said participated in the pre-trial meetings. He sought an adjournment.

    Lawyers to Abraham and Akeredolu, Akin Oujinmi (SAN) and Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) confirmed the development and agreed to the request for adjournment.

    Read Also: Lawyer advocates legislation on vocational education

    Abraham, who was the 1st runner-up in the APC governorship primary in Ondo State in 2016, is by the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/788/2016, challenging Akeredolu’s emergence as the winner of the primary and the party’s candidate for the last governorship election in the state.

    Abraham alleged that the primary was manipulated to favour Akeredolu and wants the court to nullify the outcome of the primary and pronounce him (Abraham). As the winner of the primary and the party’s candidate for the election.
    ‎

    Defendants in the case are the APC, Akeredolu, APC Chairman and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Details later.

  • PDM backs Buhari for second term

    The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) on Friday backed President Muhammadu Buhari for second term in office.

    The leadership of the group led by its National Chairman, Senator Abubakar Maadi, met with President Buhari on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar facilitated the meeting, which started around 11.02am when the President arrived the Council Chamber.

    Maadi, disclosed that the leadership of the party across the country endorsed President Buhari for second term on the 4th of January, 2019.

    Recalling that the party was formed by late Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua in 1987, he said that the PDM decided to endorse the President because of his giant strides in the development of the country, especially in the fight against corruption, successes against Boko Haram and improved power supply, among other achievements.

    At the meeting, the former National Chairman of PDM, Faruk Abdullaziz presented to Buhari, the signature of all the 36 states executives of the party endorsing the President for second term.

    Bauchi Governor, while making brief remarks explained that he was not a member of PDM.

    “I am a friend to the National Chairman of PDM and I facilitated this meeting.” he said

    According to him, the PDM has sat and resolved to support President Buhari for second term.

    Read Also: Buhari to Niger Delta: expect more development

    He said that the delegation comprises of national, state, zonal, coordinators of the PDM.

    The President commended the members of the group for remaining committed to the organization over the years.

    According to him, the bottom line of everything is patriotism.

    Government officials in attendance included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed.

    Others include National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazzau, Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu.

  • Health workers threaten indefinite strike

    Health workers under the auspices of the Joint Health Sector Unions have threatened to shut down the nation’s hospitals if the government fails to address their demands.

    This is coming eight months after suspension of their strike action for final resolution of issues without concrete actions from government.

    The government had, in April 2018 invoked the no- work- no- rule policy to deny striking health workers their two months salaries for embarking on strike for implementation of their agreement with the government.

    The Minister of Health claimed there was no agreement between the union and government then.

    However, the National Industrial Court, sitting in Abuja stepped into the issue for arbitration, asking all parties to maintain status quo ante.

    Read Also: Exams at OAU despite ASUU strike

    In a letter addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, the union said it will resume the suspended strike if the issues in dispute were not resolved by Thursday, 31st January, 2019.

    JOHESU chairman, Biobelemoye Josiah, said the decision to issue a 15- day ultimatum was in view of the apparent indifference of government to permanently resolve lingering issues

    The health workers insisted that some of the issues have persisted for over five years, pointing out even though the court has asked for a return to status quo ante during the last industrial action, government has gone ahead to implement the no work, no pay policy.

    Some of the issues at stake are the upward adjustment of the consolidated Health salary structure, CONHESS, unjustified withholding of the salaries of JOHESU members for the months of April and May, 2018 and headship of hospital departments.

    Others are non -promotion of members on CONHESS 14 – 15 as Directors in some Federal Health Institutions and implementation of Consultancy Cadre to JOHESU members.

  • FG mulls amending public procurement Act

    The Federal Government maybe tinkering with the idea of amending the public procurement Act to make it more efficient and allow contractors have more funds to execute their jobs.

    Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Mr Ben Akabueze, on Wednesday in Abuja advocated for an amendment of the public procurement law because “the 15% contract cost provision which the act stipulated to be used in mobilising contractor is too small.”

    Akabueze gave this suggestion at a roundtable on the 2019 budget organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ABUCCIMA).

    The need to amend the public procurement Act Akabueze said is hinged to the fact banks are slow in providing loans to contractors to execute government projects, as a result, there is need for increase in mobilisation fee/cost.

    According to the Budget Office DG, “the public procurement act needs to be amended because it is a law that was well-intentioned but it is not well designed for the country.”

    Read Also: FG moves for final forfeiture of Badeh’s 6 houses, $1m

    For Nigerians to feel the impact of economic growth, Akabueze noted that the rate of GDP growth must be higher than the population growth because the rate of population growth in Nigeria is about three percent, which is currently higher than the GDP growth rate of the country.

    According to the DG Budget “we are projecting a 3.01 per cent growth (in GDP). Often times I hear Nigerians asking whether we can meet this growth. This is the minimum level of growth we should be aiming for going by the rate at which our population is growing. If we are growing at anything below the rate the population is growing, it would not be felt and that is why a lot of people do not feel the economy is growing.”

    To feel the economic growth, Akabueze noted that the country has to “restore growth to seven percent or preferably double-digit, the vast majority of Nigerians are not going to feel any growth.“

  • FG moves for final forfeiture of Badeh’s 6 houses, $1m

    The Federal Government has taken steps to ensure final forfeiture of six houses, including a mall all located in Abuja and $1million allegedly recovered from the late ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.

    Acting on behalf of the government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has applied at a Federal High Court in Abuja for an order of final forfeiture of the assets.

    In an application filed by EFCC’s Chike Okoroma late last year, a copy of which The Nation sighted on Wednesday, the identified the assets to include five duplexes, a mall and cash of $1million (allegedly recovered from one of Badeh’s houses).

    They are described in court documents as *a duplex at 6 Ogun River Street, Off Danube Street, Off IBB Way, Maitama, Abuja.

    *a duplex at 19 Kumasi Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.

    *a duplex at 14 Adzope Crescent, Off Kumasi Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja

    *a duplex at 8A Embu Street by Stigma Apartments, Wuse II, Abuja.

    *a duplex at Dou-Girei, Yola North Local Government Area, Adamawa State.

    *a mall at plot 1386 Oda Crescent, off Aminu Kanu Crescent (Cadastral Zone AO7) Wuse II, Abuja.

    On Wednesday, when Okoroma mentioned the application, Justice Okon Abang granted the applicant leave to publish the application and fixed February 25 for the hearing.

    Read Also: Badeh’s wife, children removed from watch-list

    Earlier, Justice Abang adjourned to February 26 for fro a decision on how best to proceed in the criminal trial involving Badeh.

    Badeh and a firm, Iyalikam Nigeria Limited were being tried on charges of money laundering to the tune of N3.9billion, being he was reportedly killed on December 18 last year.

    The prosecuting agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had, on October 23, 2018, closed its case after calling 21 witnesses, following which the trial judge, Justice Okon Abang adjourned to January 16, 2019 for the 1st defendant (Badeh) to open his defence.

    At the commencement of proceedings on Wednesday, Badeh’s lawyer, Akin Olujinmi (SAN) informed the court about his client’s demise.

    Olujinmi, who described the development as shocking, said Badeh’s sudden death has deprived him of the opportunity to let the world know that he did not commit the offence with which he was charged.

    He said noted that when a defendant to a criminal charge dies,, the litigation against him must end.

    Olujinmi said his deceased client would have been able to disprove the allegations against him.

    He sought an adjournment to after his deceased client’s burial. He told the court that parties would meet to agree on how best to proceed with the case.

    Samuel Zibiri (SAN), who appeared for the 2nd defendant (Iyalikam) agreed with Olujinmi.

    Lawyer for the prosecution, Oluwaleke Atolagbe , though expressed his condolence over the 1st defendant’s death, argued that it was essential for the defence to furnish it with a death certificate.

    Atolagbe, who did not object to the defence’s application for adjournment, confirmed that moves had been made towards setting up a meeting between both parties to decide in which direction the case will go.

    He argued that it was not ideal to adjourned until after Badeh’s burial when Olujinmi did not disclose when the burial was likely to take place.

    Ruling, Justice Abang agreed with Olujinmi that in such a matter of public knowledge, which the court itself, as a member of a community, is aware of, there is not need to require the production of a death certificate for the court to believe that the 1st defendant was actually dead.

    The judge said: “In the instant case, it is not necessary for the counsel to the first defendant to tender a death certificate, because the death of the first defendant is public knowledge and the court is aware. -t is not in dispute that the first defendant is dead.”

    Justice Abang, who prayed that the deceased’s soul rest in peace, noted that while his trial lasted, Badeh conducted himself diligently, was humble and respectful to the court.

    The judge said while Badeh was always punctual in court, he never attempted to frustrate proceedings in his trial by filing frivolous applications.

    He said: “He was humble and peaceful. He would always stand, waiting in the dock until the court would order him to sit. He attended proceedings at all times and always present in time.

    “He never asked for frivolous applications or wasted the court’s time, complying at all times with the court’s rules. May his soul rest in peace,” the judge said.

  • CAN president to politicians: don’t set Nigeria on fire

    The President of Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN ), Rev. Samson Ayokunle, has advised politicians to avoid utterances and actions, which are capable of disturbing the nation’s peace.

    Ayokunle gave the advice at the 2nd General Assembly of the Inter-faith Dialogue Forum for Peace, with the theme, ‘‘General Elections and National Security: The Role of Inter-faith Communities’’ in Abuja on Wednesday.

    ‘‘I also want to appeal to politicians not to set the nation on fire because of their personal ambition at the expense of national interest.

    ‘‘People who don’t have any work outside politics should not be voted into power.

    ‘‘I want to urge those in government and all politicians to calm down, to avoid breakdown of law and order because of elections.

    ‘‘Enough is enough on the destruction of our country. Thuggery and any format of electoral violence should be discouraged by all politicians,’’ he said.

    He also enjoined politicians not to be desperate to acquire power because leadership was a burden.

    The CAN leader said that politicians must respect the rule of law, to enhance peace in the country.

    He, however, urged the electorate to vote for people who had something to offer for the advancement of the country.

    Ayokunle, therefore, charged the law enforcement agencies to help in building the nation’s democracy by ensuring free, fair and credible elections during the forthcoming general elections.

    “Don’t help in installing bad leaders during elections and don’t use your uniforms to do a dirty job by intimidating or preventing voters to discharge their civic responsibilities.

    “We don’t want to see or hear such incidences again if we don’t want to mortgage the future of our children.

    “We should not play politics with the security of Nigerians,’’ he said.

    Read Also: Buhari names Tarfa NEDC chairman

    He also admonished religious leaders to continue to pray for the country, preach peace and avoid making divisive comments that could disrupt the nation’s peaceful co-existence.

    ‘‘I want to urge faith communities to continue to pray for Nigeria because the relative peace we are enjoying in this country is because of our constant prayers.’’

    The co-Chairman, Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace, Rev. Sunday Onuoha, advised the Federal and state governments to redirect their efforts towards building stronger institutions that would be beneficial to all citizens.

    ‘‘All institutions, both government and non-government, should be open to dialogue and not close their minds to other opinions or see other opinions as threat, as no one has the monopoly of knowledge,’’ he said.

    He urged those who presented themselves for elective positions to be willing to accept the outcome of the elections.

  • IGP Adamu vows to restore police image

    The Acting Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Mohammed Adamu has identified the absence of transparent, knowledgeable, accountable and motivational leadership as the problem of policing in Nigeria.

    Adamu who disclosed this in Abuja after the baton of leadership was officially handed over to him by the immediate past IGP, Ibrahim Idris however said his appointment represents a charge to restore the image of the Force.

    Before the ceremony, Idris and Adamu walked into the Conference room around 11:03 am. They were welcomed by the members of the police management team comprising seven Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and one Assistant Inspector General of Police, other senior police officers and well-wishers.

    Idris who wore cream colour caftan and black cap spoke before handing over to Adamu. He said: “We are here in the handing over ceremony. I have served in the Nigeria Police Force for 35 years. By the grace of God, I retired yesterday and this is going to be my final departure ceremony from the Police Force.

    “I want to thank all the officers present here for the support you have given me and for all we have done together to make Nigeria Police Force great. We have tried our best during my time and during that period, you have given me maximum support. I want to thank everyone from the rank of the Constable to the highest rank of the Deputy Inspector General of Police.

    “Let me thank all of you for your commitment and dedication to your country. Like I said, I am here to hand over the baton of leadership to my colleague and friend who is going to take over as the 20th IGP for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I wish him all the best.”

    After the baton was handed over to Adamu, Idris was escorted out of the conference by the new Ag. IG, the DIGs, AIGs and other senior police officers.

    He immediately returned with the seven DIGs and other senior officers to deliver his maiden address.

    Speaking after the baton of leadership was officially handed over to him, Adamu said he was determined to combine his national and international policing exposure to bridge the missing link in the Force.

    According to him: It is with total reverence of the Almighty Allah (SWT) and deep appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who considered me worthy of appointment that I humbly address you today as the 20th indigenous Inspector General of Police.

    “My appointment represents a call to duty and a charge to restore the dwindling primacy of the Nigeria Police Force within the internal security architecture of our beloved country. Ladies and gentlemen, commanding the largest Police Force in Africa, particularly, at this crucial time that the country is faced with multi-faceted security challenges and at the peak of preparations for the general elections, is undoubtedly an arduous task.

    Read Also: NGF congratulates Ag. IGP Adamu

    “However, it remains a fact that the Force is blessed with some of the finest officers anywhere in the world that are not only intellectually gifted and exceptionally dedicated, but professionally sound enough to surmount these tasks if the right leadership is provided.

    “Amongst you seated in this hall today are some of such thorough-bred and passionate professionals who can hold their own among their peers, and have consistently distinguished themselves in complex national and international engagements.”

    Commenting on what is lacking in the Force and his plans, he said: “All that you desire, from my experience, is a transparent, responsive, motivational, accountable, and knowledgeable leader who will not only treat you with the dignity you deserve in your line of duty, but who is sensitive to your welfare needs and fair in the manner your promotion and other reward regimes are addressed. The absence of this level of leadership has always been the missing link in policing in Nigeria.

    “It is my firm conviction, therefore, that if the quality personnel potentials of the Force are blended with purposeful and motivational leadership at strategic levels within the organizational hierarchy of the Force, the lost glory of the Nigeria Police Force which remains a concern to governments at all levels, citizens, human rights groups, the international community and indeed well-meaning officers and men of the Force shall be restored.

    “With my appointment and assumption of duty, I am determined to draw on my national and international policing leadership experience to bridge this missing link. I assure you on this day that I will provide the highest possible level of professional and responsible leadership for you while trusting that you shall march hand-in-hand with me as dependable professional colleagues, to advance the fortunes of the Force.”

    Adamu while stating that he would unveil his leadership strategies soon, also charged the personnel of the Force to shun conducts capable of denting the image of the Force.

    “I demand that you henceforth resolve to abstain from conducts that will drag the Police into disrepute and put your career in jeopardy, and join me in the common course of changing the narratives of policing in the country for good. In giving effect to this, in the coming days, I shall unfold before you and the nation the strategic focus of my leadership.”

    The new police chief also said there will be massive deployment of police personnel in the coming days as part of preparations for the forthcoming elections.

    He also warned politicians to against activities capable of causing violence adding that the Force will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who poses threat.

    “In the interim, let me use this opportunity, to quickly remind you that aside our routine operations, we have within the short term, two major national assignments where our professionalism and commitment to duty will once again be subjected to national and international scrutiny.

    “First, is the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections on 16th February, 2019 and second, is the Governorship, State Assembly, and Federal Capital Territory Area Council Elections on Saturday 2nd March 2019. These national engagements are of immediate priority to my leadership and, hence, in the next few days, the nation shall witness concerted police deployments and other activities which will all be directed at ensuring quality election security service delivery by the Police, being the lead agency in election security management.

    “While with your support, I am confident that we have the operational capacity to ensure the success of both exercises, I am not unaware of the possible security threats that some misguided political actors and their followers may attempt to pose during the general elections.

    “To such elements, I must sound a note of warning that as a nation, we have had enough of electoral violence. Hence, while the Nigeria Police under my watch shall work with the Independent National Electoral Commission and sister security agencies in guaranteeing a peaceful and secure space for all political parties and the citizens to freely exercise their electoral rights, we shall not hesitate to identify, isolate and bring to deserved justice any person or group that attempts to threaten our sacred democratic order.

    “To the unrepentant felons that may want to put our common will to test, the message is being relayed here loud and clear that in securing the law abiding citizens during the elections, we shall not hesitate to deploy our potent assets to deal firmly and decisively with electoral deviants. Consequently, I call on political actors to assist the Police and other law enforcement agencies in sustaining the gains recorded in our democratic journey. They should always remember that politics is a game guided by rules and it behooves them to play the game within the dictates of such rules. On our part, we assure the nation of our determination to play our roles fairly but firmly towards guaranteeing a peaceful electoral process and a credible outcome.”

    He also promised to deliver to members of the public, Police Force they would be proud of.

    “Let me end this inaugural address by assuring the citizens that I am mindful of their yearnings for a policing system that will not only assure them of their safety, but treat them with civility and hold their rights sacred. While I promise on behalf of officers of the Force that their deserved aspirations will be met henceforth, I also call on the citizens to work with the police in the interest of community safety and national security.

    “I am similarly not oblivious of the concerns of the Federal Government on the Nigeria Police. I am mindful of the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari is desirous of bequeathing a citizens-friendly, operationally efficient and ethically-guided police system to the country. His Excellency envisions a Police Force that will take the lead in internal security operations, engage intelligence-led, technology-supported and community driven policing principles in the attainment of its mandate, and play an active role with the Armed Forces in restoring civil authority in the North East.

    “I assure the country that I will provide the requisite leadership for the Nigeria Police to meet these expectations and address the concerns.”

    Adamu while thanking the immediate past IG for his contributions to the Force in the last three years also urged personnel of the Force to support him in prayers and informed advice.

    “Finally, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, l immensely thank our out-going IGP Ibrahim ldris for his professional service to our Fatherland and wish him a very fulfilling future engagement. I can assure him that much as he is leaving the police institution, we shall not allow him leave the Police Family as we shall continue to disturb his retirement in order to draw from his rich fountain of professional knowledge.

    “To you, my officers and men, I call on you to continue to support me with prayers and informed pieces of advice so that this journey we are commencing together today shalt lead us to the desired destination.”

     

     

  • Breaking: We did not raid Onnoghen’s residence – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) has described as “untrue and evil”, reports in some quarters that its personnel had invaded the Abuja residence of Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.

    Spokesman of the commission Tony Orilade tod the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday that the fake news “ is being spread by evil men and women to get evil results.”

    NAN reports that this may be connected to the halting of Onnoghen’s trial by the Federal High Court Abuja on Monday.

    Read Also: We’ll not tolerate vote-buying, says EFCC

    The court had asked the Federal Government to put on hold plans to arraign Onnoghen before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

    The Federal Government had, through the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), filed six counts of non-declaration of assets charges against Onnoghen.

    However, ruling on two separate ex parte applications, Justice N.E Maha, ordered parties to maintain status quo until Jan. 17.

  • NHRC orders police to produce man held since 2017

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the police to account a suspect, Biodun Olaroye allegedly being held by the Special Anti-Robbery Square (SARS) since 2017.

    The NHRC Penal on the investigation of activities of SARS, now sitting in Abuja, particularly directed Olaroye to be produced before it on Monday, January 21 by the police.

    The panel also directed the police to produce the case file involving the 39-year old father of one, who was said to have been arrested by SARS operatives when he visited his aunt in Ikorodu, Lagos in May 2017.

    The NHRC panel on SARS, which is holding its final round of sitting in Abuja, having sat in the geo-political zones since last year, also directed the police to produce the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) in the Olaroye case.

    The panel, which adjourned further hearing in the case to January 21, 2019, equally directed the head of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Abba Kyari, who is said to be aware of the case, to appear before it next Monday.

    The suspect’s senior brother, Olatunde Olaroye, had while presenting his case before the panel on Monday, said since himself and some member of the family last saw Biodun in SARS’ detention facility in Ikeja , Lagos sometime in August in 2018, they have heard nothing again from him till date.

    Olatunde said: “Biodun Bode Olaroye was arrested by operatives of IRT/SARS in Ikorodu, Lagos between 11th and 13th of May, 2017 at the residence of our maternal sister, where he went to collect transport money to return to Abuja to continue with the screening exercise of Peace Corps recruitment which was eventually disbanded.

    “The family traced Biodun to the Police Headquarters cell in Ikeia, Lagos. He was brought out for identification.

    “After identification, the officer in charge lRT Unit, Supol Philip refused family access to Biodun, including any legal intervention.

    “He said they have the legal right to investigate him (the suspect) for three months and 2 weeks before we can engage legal services to hear from Biodun. We waited patiently.

    Read Also: NHRC condemns police siege to Melaye’s residence

    “All the while in Police custody, Biodun was subjected to grave torture and agony with claim he was being interrogated, some we learnt died in that process.

    “So we mounted pressure to know the IPO in charge of his case but were threatened not to come near not to come near the station any further.

    “In all, Biodun was held in custody for approximately 4 months after which we were informed, Biodun and others were to be paraded to the IGP as criminals in custody

    “Sir, as we write and speak now, after Biodun was moved out of SARS, (IRT) cell in Lagos, the officers in charge which include both DCP Abba Kyari, who is the 0C, SARS/IRT Unit, Abuja and Supol Philip, Officer in charge, Lagos SARS [IRT) refused to disclose the whereabouts of Biodun Bode Olaroye.

    “This is 18 months of his incarceration and yet, they refused to tell us where he is kept and there is no news about B iodun.

    “We have gone round several prisons across the federation and visited Federal SARS’ cell and the Force CID office cell with no trace of him.

    “He is married with a son under 3 years now. We don’t know if Biodun has been executed by Supol Philip at the command of DCP Abba Kyari,” Olatunde said.

    The Chairman, NHRC panel on SARS, Tony Ojukwu (who is also the Executive Secretary of NHRC) said the directives given to the police on the case was to ensure the truth about the whereabouts of the suspect is ascertained.

    Speaking on Monday at the opening session of the panel’s Abuja second sitting session, Ojukwu said the panel has, since its constitution last October, it “has held four pubic sittings, where complaints of alleged human rights violations from the public and memoranda on how to reform SARS were considered.

    “The sittings were conducted in the following geo-political zones of Nigeria: The first public sitting was heId in Abuja from 22nd  to 25th October, 2018 for the North Central Zone; the second public sitting was held in Lagos from 13th to 17th November, 2018 for South West Zone; the third public sitting was held in Owerri, Imo State from 27th  November to 13th December, 2018 for both South-East and South-South zones; and the fourth sitting was held in Gombe from the 5th to 6th of December, 2018 for North-East Zone.

    “Since the constitution of the panel, a total of 103 complaints of alleged human rights violation were received by the secretariat of the panel.

    “Out of this number, the panel received 37 complaints from the North-Centrai zone, 37 complaints from the South-West, 16 complaints from the South-South, 9 complaints from the South-East, 3 complaints from the North-East and 1 complaint from the North-West.

    “The Panel has concluded hearing on 51 of the complaints, while 52 complaints are still pending.

    “Out of the 52 pending cases, 29 are part-heard, while 23 are fresh complaints. Accordingly, most of the pending complaints are at advanced stages of hearing.

    “This sitting will be considering 52 pending cases made up of fresh complaints and part-heard complaints from Abuja and different parts of the country,” Ojukwu said.