The Independent Investigative Panel on allegations of human rights violations by the defunct Special Anti - Robbery Squad (SARS) and other units of the Nigerian Police on Wednesday has ordered the Inspector General of Police to continue treating Julius Ogalanya, a victim of police gunshot, until full recovery.
The Chairman of the Panel, Justice Suleiman Galadima made this pronouncement at the resumed sitting on Wednesday, noting that though the Inspector General of Police had made payments towards the surgery of Julius Ogalanya, who was shot by one Gabriel Adi of the Gwagwalada Division, FCT Police Command, the victim is yet to recover from the bullet wound that shattered his thigh.
The panel while urging the Inspector General Police to bear all expenses, described the case as a clear case of gross violation of fundamental human rights and the culpability of the first, second, and third respondents in the petition is beyond doubts, “therefore the case ought not to waste panel’s time”.
It would be recalled that Julius Ogalanya, in his testimony before the panel during his previous appearance narrated how his thighs were shattered by gunshots, by one Gabriel Adi of the Nigeria Police. Ogalanya told the panel at that time that the police paid for one of his surgeries at the Gwagwalada General Hospital. However, Julius Ogalanya at the resumed hearing pleaded with the panel that he was due for another surgery, but lacks the funds to carry out the operation.
The Chairman, therefore, directed the Panel’s Counsel led by Chino Obiagwu and the petitioner’s Counsel, Reginald Nwani to visit the Inspector General of Police on the issue of treatment. Meanwhile, the Case has been adjourned for the panel’s report.
