Lawyers won’t have access to security memoranda submitted to the panel investigating the killings of security personnel in Nasarawa State, it was learnt yesterday.
The affected memoranda, according to the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Fola Gbadeyan (rtd), include submissions made to the panel by the Nasarawa State Government, the Nasarawa State Commands of the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service (SSS).
He, however, ordered that lawyers be allowed access to other submissions by individuals, communities, groups and associations.
Justice Gbadeyan said the Commission decided to keep the security memoranda due to their implications for the state.
Plea by lawyers to be given the documents to enable them prepare their defences were rejected.
The Commission boss said the lawyers representing various stakeholders would only be permitted to read the briefs at a later date.
Justice Gbadeyan had during the inaugural sitting of the panel last week granted request made by lawyers to be given copies of all petitions submitted to the Commission to enable them prepare appropriately for cross examination of witnesses where necessary.
The panel was setup by Governor Tanko al-Makura following the killing of over 50 policemen and operatives of the SSS allegedly in an ambush by members of the Ombatse Militia Group in Alakyo village, on May 7, 2013.
Counsel representing Eggon Community of Barkin Abdullahi in Nasarawa State, Ovey John, told the panel that those whose names were mentioned in the security documents have a right to be informed of such allegations.
John said the documents would also enable lawyers to cross examine the presenters of the memoranda.
He said: “Anybody who is accused, who is mentioned, has the right to be informed of such allegations against him, he has a right to be given enough time, adequate enough to prepare to defend himself.
“Going by this provision of the Constitution, if at all these memoranda have not been circulated and by the time they are just brought in for presentation, it would really take us unawares. It will spring surprises.
“It is really possible that some people’s names are mentioned and they have not been given enough time to prepare because the presenters of the memoranda must be cross examined using what they have said in those memoranda.
“So, it is very good that the memoranda be circulated. Let there be reasonable time enough for the lawyers to go through so that they will be able to prepare and ask questions from the presenters.”
In his response, Justice Gbadeyan said: “We shall at the appropriate time allow you to go through the security memoranda but we will not circulate the security memoranda.”
Meanwhile, the Commission would begin hearing on the 18 other submissions before it today.
Curiously, there were no representatives nor counsels for the state government and the SSS when their submissions were announced yesterday.
The Police Command was, however, represented by Superintendent Miadawa Saleh Adam.
Adam applied to withdraw his earlier memoranda, saying an amended copy has been filed before the panel.
He said the police intend to call two witnesses.
The Commission adjourned the submissions of the Police, SSS and the State Government to August 6, 14 and 15 respectively, for hearing.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the recent killings of members of the Nigerian Security Forces (Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services), destruction and confiscation of security personnel’s operational vehicles and weapons in Alakyo Village of Lafia Local Government Area and Matters connected therewith has so far received 21 memoranda.
