The Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has inaugurated a 16-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate allegations of extrajudicial killings and brutality by security agents in the state.
Inaugurating the panel led by a former Chief Judge of the State, Justice Sunday Imo, Governor Ikpeazu charged the members to investigate cases of extrajudicial killings by policemen and other security agents, investigate all forms of Police brutality, extortion and intimidation from 2015 to date.
The panel is to also ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the #EndSARS protests and other grievances associated to it, as well as examine the root causes of the hijack of the peaceful End SARS protests by hoodlums and identify those involved.
According to the Governor, the panel is expected to turn in its report within 12 weeks.
The Abia State Governor frowned at the turn of events of End SARS protests describing it as unfortunate in view of the collateral damage it has caused on lives and property in the state, urging the youths to restrain from further protests as the government has noted their demands.
The Chairman of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry assured that the panel will carry out the assignment with all diligence, considering its importance to society.