National Human Right Commission in conjunction with Independent Investigative Panel of human rights violation against SARS and other units of the Nigerian Police awards compensations to the victims of human rights violation yesterday in Abuja.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Salamatu Husieni Suleiman, Chairperson of the Governing Council of the National Human Right Commission, expressed appreciation to Hon. Justice Suleiman Galadima, Panelists and Secretariat for their dedication for the past two years which has seen the hearing of 294 cases and decisions on 292 of them.
According to her, the National Human Rights Commission awarded the sum of N 289,384,094 (Two hundred and eighty-nine million, three hundred and eighty-four thousand, and ninety-four naira only) as compensation to 74 beneficiaries and victims of human rights violations. This brings to 431,884,094 (Four hundred and thirty-one million, eight hundred and eighty-four thousand, and ninety-four naira only), the total sum already paid to 94 beneficiaries under the SARS panel.
Dr Salamatu who thanked the petitioners also said, “ I want to use this opportunity to thank and congratulate all the petitioners for their belief in the human rights mechanisms of Nigeria and for diligently presenting and pursuing their cases before the panel.”
“On behalf of the Commission, I would like to extend our gratitude to the Federal Government and the National Assembly for the support we have received for these awards. As an independent National Human Rights Institution, the Commission will continue to exercise its mandate to promote and protect the human rights of every Nigerian using various constituted mechanisms under the National Human Rights Commission Act (as amended).”
In her words:
“While we look forward to receiving the final report of the Justice Galadima Panel, the Commission will work towards putting in place a permanent mechanism through which we will address cases of police brutality and other associated human rights violations arising from law enforcement and security operations. We call upon Nigerians to continue to uphold their rights and make good use of the offices of the Commission in the 36 states and the FCT to report violations of their rights. Together we can the respect and enjoyment of human rights, the centrepiece of our democracy.”
Amongst the awardees are: Ade Williams who received the sum of N2.2million, Sadique Abubakar received the award of N3.4million, Ifeanyi Cosmos, Tony Duchi and many others.
Chatting with the GreenLand News, Ifeanyi Cosmos, who was awarded for inhuman treatment, unlawful detention, and malicious prosecution, said he was paraded like an armed robber. He expressed that some security operatives tagged him criminal and forced him to accept.
Ifeanyi who said he was opportune to be heard by the Press also said he told the Press he was innocent and later given opportunity for fair hearing.