Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano on Thursday set up a panel of inquiry to look into reports of abuse of human rights by the defunct SARS in the state over the years.
The panel will look, in particular, into allegations of extrajudicial killings by a former head of the SARS office in the state, Chief Superintendent of Police James Nwafor (retired), whose appointment as a Special Assistant to the Governor has since been terminated. He will face prosecution if found guilty of any of the alleged offences.
Governor Obiano also directed the Commissioner of Police to review all detentions in not just the SARS facilities in the state but also in all police formations to ensure that the freedoms and dignity of all citizens are upheld at all times.
A statement signed by Don Adinuba, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment said the panel which is expected to complete its job within 30 days, will be led by the Hon Justice V. N, Umeh, (retired).
Other members of the panel include, A representative of the Association of Anambra State Students; Three youth leaders from the three senatorial zones in the state; A member of the National Youth Service Corps in the state; Anambra State chairman, Civil Liberties Organisation; Chairman, Anambra Civil Society Network and Chairman of the Youth Council of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter.
The panel also has, a representative of the Youth Wing of the Ohaneze NdIgbo, Anambra State; Chairman of the Youth Wing of the Anambra Town Unions (ASATU); Chairman of the Christian Association, Anambra State; A nominee of the Archbishop of the Anglican Province of the Niger; A nominee of the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha; A representative of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Anambra State, A representative of the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council; The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; The Commissioner for Youth & Creative Economy; The two youngest members of the State Executive Council; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Creative Security.
