Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
The Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry on Police brutality says it has received 171 petitions from the public.
The Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Alleged Acts of Violence, Torture, Brutality, Murder, and Violation of Fundamental Human Rights of Citizens committed by Officers, Men and Operatives of Nigeria  Police Force in Rivers State Justice Chukwunenye Uriri during the inaugural sitting of the commission in Port Harcourt said the panel will identify and ascertain the victims of alleged human rights violations by the Police especially members of the Special Anti Robbery Squad SARS.
Justice Chukwunenye Uriri also said the panel will ascertain the motive
of the Police officers especially members of the Special Anti Robbery Squad SARS in the alleged act of torture of victims within the state.
Justice Chukwunenye Uriri noted that the commission will make necessary recommendations to the State Government to avoid future occurrences.
The Commission has 60 days to submit its report to the Rivers State Government.
In the meantime, the Nigeria Bar Association NBA says it will cooperate with the Commission in a bid for the panel to fulfill its obligations.
The Chairman of the Port Harcourt Branch of Nigeria Bar Association NBA Prince Nyekwere said the public has high expectations from the commission.
Prince Nyekwere said the NBA is confident the commission will get to the remote causes of police brutality in the state.
Correspondent Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu reports that the hearing will commence on Wednesday, 25 November at Obi Wali Cultural Centre by 10am.
