By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-Chief)
A Non-Governmental Rights Organization, SPACES FOR CHANGElS4C, has called on the Imo state government to urgently implement the recommendations contained in the report of the Imo State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Police Brutality and Related Extra-judicial Killings which was recently submitted to governor Hope Uzodinmma.
The NGO, in a statement at the weekend, also expressed great elation regarding the conclusion of proceedings of the Commission and its findings. It said "we strongly urge Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to implement the Commission’s recommendations. That is the only way to secure justice for victims of police brutality and extrajudicial killings in the state and restore citizens’ confidence in the security apparatus and institutions of the state".
The Commission which was inaugurated on the 19th of October, 2020, had the mandate to investigate all human rights abuses and brutality as well as extrajudicial killings perpetrated by the defunct SARS and other security operatives in Imo State; adjudicate on these matters and make recommendations to the Governor for the reparation of victims and prosecution of indicted security agents. The Commission received and treated 154 petitions and has since made recommendations on each of the cases to the Imo state government.
SPACES FOR CHANGElS4C however monitored the Commission's proceedings and also provided legal representation to victims of police brutality and extra-judicial killings in the state.
"S4C hereby demands that the Imo State Government expedites the implementation of the Commission's findings and recommendations. We specifically demand the prosecution of all security personnel indicted in the report. We further urge the Imo State Government to immediately commence the disbursement of the sum of N770, 985, 800 to the victims as recommended. Effective implementation of the Commission’s findings and recommendations will secure justice for victims and roll back the growing erosion of public confidence in the legal system. We reiterate that justice delayed is justice denied", the NGO stated. NNL.
