Rivers SARS Panel Strikes Out Three Petitions For Lack Of Jurisdiction

The Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the alleged Acts of Violence, Torture, and Violation of the Fundamental Rights of Citizens committed by officers, men and operatives of the Nigerian Police in the state has struck out three petitions filed before the panel due to lack of jurisdiction and evidence.
The Chairman of the seven-man panel of inquiry, Justice Chukwunoye Uriri (rtd) struck out the petitions based on the objections raised by the police legal team led by SP Imegu Gladys, which hinged on jurisdiction and contempt.
Imegu had drawn the attention of the panel to the fact that the petitions: RCPB/2020/PET.006.011 and 014, respectively, written by Mr. Daniel Chibuike Ikeagwuchi, Queen Nwazuo, and Emeka Ekweme and others, were matters that were already before a court of competent jurisdiction while judgement had been delivered on some, adding that the commission lacks the power to hear or deliberate on such cases.
She particularly drew the attention to the panel to the petition: RCPB/2020/PER.006 written by brother to Queen Nwazuo, saying that such act was committed by the military, and not the police or SARS officials, and urged the panel to confine itself to its terms of reference.
The presiding Chairman of the panel, Justice Chukwunoye Uriri (rtd), after listening to the arguments of the lawyers who represented the petitioners in the affected petitions, agreed with the submissions of the police legal team, and struck out the petitions.
He averred that the commission cannot usurp the powers of any court of competent jurisdiction or grant requests that were outside its mandate.
Our correspondent also reports that the petitions brought by one Ebiakpo Buruti from Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of the state against the commissioner of police on alleged killing of his elder brother, late Mr. Inimie Joel in 2018 by operatives of SARS at Rukpokwu, was later adjourned to Thursday, December 3, 2020, for cross-examination and continuation.

By: Akujobi Amadi