Counsel to respondents at the ongoing investigative panel on defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian Police have insisted that their defence will be hinged on the copy of a court judgment on the matter in question before the panel.
In the case of alleged torture, cruel inhumane and degrading treatment which came up for definite defence, lead counsel to the respondents, James Idachaba Esq maintained that if served a copy of the judgement as previously ordered by the panel, his team will rely on it for their defence.
When asked about the certified True Copy of the court judgment on the same matter before the panel, Halilu Adamu Esq, counsel to the panel responded that the copy had been applied for, but that owing to the absence of the judge who was said to be out of jurisdiction, the process was stalled.
Idachaba, who also failed to produce the first respondent in the matter, one Corporal Nse Etim, further stated that he may not be calling on any witness in defence of the case, but will rest solely on the courts verdict's.
Asked by Chairman of the panel, Justice Suleiman Galadima rtd, represented by Dr Garba Tetengi SAN if he will be foreclosing his defence, James Idachaba answered in the affirmative.
The matter was therefore adjourned to March 25th 2022 for adoption of written addresses.
Similarly, the case of alleged arrest, detention, death in custody and extortion of Mr Christian Ugwunze suffered a setback as the first and second respondents failed to appear before the panel as ordered.
Counsel to the respondents, Fidelis Ogbobe Esq informed the panel that notice had been served on the Force Legal Team to produce the respondents but that, as the time of the panel hearing, he was yet to receive a response.
Agreeing with Chairman of the panel on the need to foreclose his defence, Ogbobe stated that his inability to produce the defendants has been frustrating.
He also acknowledged the panel’s magnanimity in granting his previous requests for adjournment and could no longer ask for another adjournment.
Ogbobe therefore foreclosed his defence.
The matter was adjourned to March 24th 2022 for adoption of written addresses.
