By Raphael Ekpang
Counsel to the Nigerian Police DSP Godwin Ijeoma on Tuesday told the Independent Investigative Panel set up by the National Human Rights Commission to investigate human rights violation by defunct SARS that Inspector Kingsley who is among the SARS operatives that allegedly killed Festus Idehen has fallen sick and unable to appear before the panel.
DSP Ijeoma stated this before the panel when Insp. Kingsley was expected to appear before the panel to assist with information about the circumstance of the death of the victim.
The family of the deceased had filed a petition on behalf of Festus Idehen alleging that he was extra judicially killed by the police.
Further hearing in the matter was stalled on Tuesday when the first respondent, Inspector Kingsley of the defunct SARS FCT failed to appear before the panel for cross examination, on the account of his ill health.
The police counsel however applied for a new date pending the recovery of the respondent. Before the ruling, Counsel to the petitioner, Uyi Usoro, objected to the application. He cited the need to present to the panel, a medical report from the hospital, stating that it was not enough to come before the panel to say the respondent was sick.
However, the Chairman of the panel overruled him and granted the Police counsel a new date.
It will be recalled that on the 18th November 2020, Doris Idedia, sister to the deceased testified before the panel that Insp. Kingsley arrested her brother in Kaduna over an allegation of car theft.
In her narration, Doris had alleged that Insp. Kingsley incited mob action against her brother who according to her was seriously beaten.
Thereafter, Kingsley allegedly brought him from Kaduna to Abuja in a cruel, inhuman and degrading manner, alleging that he was tortured to death in Abuja.
Further hearing has been adjourned to 9th February, 2021.
