TheCable

The Abuja judicial panel established to probe brutality and human rights abuses linked to the disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS) and other units of the police force, has ordered the arrest of one Shunku Terhermber, a police inspector.

Suleiman Galadima, chairman of the panel, issued the warrant following the failure of Terhermber to honour an earlier summons issued for him to appear before the panel and answer allegations against him.

The complainant, Michael Uzoagba, who is a resident of Bwari area council, FCT, Abuja, had alleged that the police inspector unlawfully seized items from his shop.

Earlier, while testifying before the panel, the complainant alleged that Terhermber in the company of some other police officers stormed his shop sometime in 2020, asking him about the whereabouts of his son.

He said when he could not state the whereabouts of his son, the officers decided to pack appliances from his shop, transferred them to a waiting police vehicle and thereafter zoomed off.

Before the panel decided to issue a warrant for the officer’s arrest, John Martins, a member of the panel, said it is critical to compel Terhermber’s attendance before producing a report on the matter.

Similarly, Fidelis Ogwobe, a member of the police defence team, said he has personally visited the police station in Bwari to inform Terhermber that his presence is needed at the panel.

He, however, said on the case, the panel may decide to proceed in the absence of Terhermber in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), considering the fact that the officer had been given the opportunity to defend himself and had failed to do so.

After deliberations, an arrest warrant was issued against the officer.

The matter was thereafter adjourned till April 27 for Terhermber to be brought before the panel by the police.