Akwa Ibom Government bows to Pressure sets up Panel for Police Brutality

Eight-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry which will be investigating cases of Police brutality in Akwa Ibom state has been constituted by Governor Emmanuel Udom.

Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem who made the announcement said it was part of resolutions reached at an emergency of the State Executive Council meeting on Monday October 19.

Members of the panel include; Justice Ifiok Ukana (Rtd) Chairman, Ms. Manti Umoh Representative of Civil Society Organizations, Mr. Harris Udoh, (a representative of the protesters, Barr. Bassey Essien CP(Rtd), Senior Retired Police Officer, Barr. Omen Bassey, youth representative, Comrade Aniedi Michael, National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students Worldwide President – Student Leader Tony Iji – National Human Rights Commission, and Mfon Edemekong Esq. Ministry of Justice ~ secretary.

The inauguration of the Judicial Panel will hold on Tuesday, 20th October 2020 at the EXCO Chambers by 5pm and it was further learnt that the duration of the Panel shall be for three months in the first instance.

It is also expected that panel will do the following;

1. Receive and investigate complaints of police brutality, human rights violations, and related extra-judicial killings.

2. Evaluate evidence presented /other surrounding circumstances and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaint.

3. Recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate.