The Bayelsa State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police brutality and related extra-judicial killings on Tuesday began its inaugural session in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The seven-person panel headed by Justice Young Emmanuel Ogola (retd.), also has as members, Mr Alaowei Opokuma Esq; Assistant Commissioner of Police Azor Andaowei (retd.); Mr Fortune Alfred; Miss Pereladei Damanche; Mr Vinning Goselle; and Mr Samuel Numonengi.
Justice Ogola said the panel had received a total of 18 petitions so far.
It was, however, learnt that though the panel had received over 30 petitions, some of them did not meet the requirements hence the petitioners were asked to go and fine-tune their petitions before resubmitting them.
The panel chairman said their terms of reference were to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra-judicial killings in the state; to evaluate and draw conclusions on validity of complaints; and to recommend compensation and other remedial measures.
He stated: “As I speak, the total number of petitions we have received so far is 18 and more are being submitted by the day. The petitions are from all parts of the state. Some are from far away Toru-Endoro in Ekeremor and Akamabugor community in Southern Ijaw.
“As I can see from the petitions, some may require visit to the locus. This, though, will be subject to availability of funds and time. Our terms of reference are no doubt clear and unambiguous. Looking at it objectively, I can see that one major role of the panel is fact finding.”
Ogola said that for the panel to do a good job, they would respect the principle of rule of law which requires them to hear all sides hence they would be fair to all parties.
He said the panel would not tolerate long adjournments as they have limited timeframe within which to complete their assignment.
He revealed that the panel would stop taking petitions at the end of January 2021, stressing that the development is to ensure that they are able to determine every petition before they wind up.
In her goodwill message to the panel, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Kate Abiri, encouraged the panel to do their work without fear or favour.
Justice Abiri, represented by Justice Matilda Ayemieye, expressed confidence in the Ogola-led panel’s ability to ensure that justice is served.
“With Justice Young Ogola at the helm of affairs of the panel, we will not expect anything less,” Justice Abiri stated.
