By Ibrahim M. Baba
The Judicial Panel of Enquiry to investigate the human rights abuses by Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigerian Police Force in Bauchi, has continue to receive petition and complains from the General Public.
In its sitting on Wednesday 13th January 2021, the panel has received a petition against the extrajudicial murder of One Suleiman Umaru Dahiru by the combined team and officers of Nigerian Police Force on 7th September 2012.
Presenting the petition at former High Court 1, High Court of Justice Bauchi, a Human Right Lawyer Barr. Hassan Saraki said their petition was mentioned to the hearing of the Committee, urging for the investigation of the horrendous killing of Suleiman Umaru Dahiru, by the men of Nigerian Police Force.
According to him, Suleiman was murdered by a joint patrol team of the Nigerian Police Force on his way back home from a sister’s dinner, when he was stopped and suddenly got fired with live bullets by the police.
He said, despite the fact that the late Suleiman was explaining to the police that he was coming from his sister’s dinner and that he was already closed to his family house, the security operatives continue to open fire on his vehicle which led to his eventual death.
The Lawyer while pleading with the panel to exercise it’s powers and ensure justice for the family, also urged the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu to fish out the perpetrators of the act and punish them according to law.
Barr. Saraki also emphasize that Government must ensure that compensation and condolence is paid to the decist’s family in order to ease their temper on the irreparable lost.
The counsel to the Police Barr. Bala Yunusa in a notice of preliminary objection, however Challenged the petition and insists that the petitioner has no proof that the crime was committed by members of the Nigerian Police Force.
The panel had therefore adjurned the sitting to 19th of January, 2020 for hearing on the matter.
Governor Masari Charges
Journalists in Katsina state to be cautious while reporting on security issues.
The Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari gave the charge at the opening ceremony of a one-day security awareness seminar for media practitioners, local government information officers and social media bloggers in the state held at the conference hall of Local Govt Service Commission Katsina.
The Governor expressed concern over sensational news reports being carried by some unpatriotic journalists aimed at ridiculing his administration.
Governor Masari observed that such unscrupulous journalists went to the extent of using concocted visuals and pictures with a view to creating disaffection as well as to stains the reputation of the administration.
The state Governor further lamented over damages done by some social media users in exposing confidential informations with total disregard to consequences of their actions.
He reminded them that every living creator is mortal, therefore all human beings will stand before our creator to account for their deeds.
Alh Aminu Masari then called on Islamic scholars in the state on the need to always cross check their facts on any allegations against those in authority before making any analysis or condemnation during sermons.
He advised them to be more diplomatic in their approaches during preachings and sermons.
Earlier in his address of welcome the Special Advieser to the Governor on security matters Alh Ibrahim Ahmed Katsina said the participants of the seminar were drawn from practising journalists, coalition of users of social media platforms and information officers of local Governments.
He stated that security is a divine duty of everyone therefore conserted efforts are required with a view to fight the security challenges bedeviling the state.
According to him the workshop was geared towards rubbing minds and exchange of ideas on how best to improve reporting on issues relating to security.
On his part State Chairman of the NUJ Comrade Tukur Hassan Dan Ali expressed optimism that the seminar will no doubt go along the way in improving their skills on reporting security issues.
He hoped that the seminar would be organised after every quarter of the year considering its importance.
The Kauran Katsina Alh Nuhu Abdulkadir who spoke on behalf of emirs of Katsina and Daura restated the traditional rulers commitments to all government policies and programs.
