#EndSars: National Human Rights Commission Calls For Complaints, Fixes November 2nd As Deadline

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is inviting members
of the public to submit complaints to its Independent Investigation
Panel (IIP) on allegations of human rights violations by members of
the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other units of
the Nigerian Police from all the States of the Federation,
including the Federal Capital Territory.

This is contained in a Notice signed by the NHRC Executive
Secretary, Tony Ojukwu Esq., made available to Nairalaw
(TNL)

Ojukwu said complaints are to be sent by email or post or
deposited at the headquarters of the Commission. The complaints can
also sent to the offices of the Commission in the 36 States and the
Federal Capital Territory

All complaints are to be sent on or before 2nd of November,
2020

Read the full notice below:

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Federal Republic of Nigeria

[Sections 6(1)(a,d,e,f and g) of the National Human Rights
Commission Act, 1995, as amended]

INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIVE PANEL ON HUMAN RIGHTS
VIOLATIONS BY DEFUNCT SPECIAL ANTI-ROBBERY SQUAD (SARS) AND OTHER
UNITS OF THE NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE 2020

CALL FOR PETITIONS/NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

1.0 Introduction

1.1 The National Human Rights Commission (the Commission) was
established by the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment)
Act 1995, with amendment in 2010 to promote and protect the human
rights of Nigerian citizens in line with the Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and other national laws, regional
and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a
state party.

1.2 The human rights violations allegedly perpetrated by
officers and men of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) and other
units of the Nigeria Police Force have come under focus in recent
times. Various reports of alleged extrajudicial killings, illegal
arrests, torture, disappearances, extortions, confiscation of
property, violations of dignity and privacy, etc. have received
national and global attentions. Nigerian citizens, especially young
people have been victims of these human rights violations and have
brought attention of the Commission and the Government of Nigeria
to the alleged violations committed by SARS and other police units
over the years.

2.0 Constitution of Independent Investigative Panel
(IIP)

2.1 In response to the above and in exercise of its independent
mandate under section 6(1)(a,d,e,f and g) of the National Human
Rights Commission Act of 2010, the Commission has established an
Independent Investigative Panel (IIP) to investigate allegations of
human rights violations against SARS and other units of the Nigeria
Police Force and to make appropriate recommendations and award
compensations where appropriate.

2.2 The Eleven-Person Panel comprises the following
members:
a. Chair of the Panel;
b. Two Representatives of the Civil Society;
c. Representative of the National Human Rights Commission;
d. Two Representatives of Nigerian Youths;
e. Representative of the Police Service Commission;
f. Representative of Nigerian Police Force;
g. Representative of the Nigerian Bar Association; and
h. Representative of the academia.

2.3 The IIP shall have a Secretariat which shall be
charged with the coordination of the work of the
Panel.
2.4 The terms and reference of the IIP are to:
a. Investigate allegations of human rights violations and abuse of
power made against defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian
Police Force. (sec. 6(a) of the NHRC Act, 2010);
b. Make determination as to the damages or compensation payable in
relation to any violation of human rights where it deems this
necessary in the circumstances of the case (sec. 6(e) of the NHRC
Act, 2010)
c. Refer any matter of human rights violation requiring prosecution
to the Attorney
General of the Federation or of a State, as the case may be in
accordance with the
NHRC Act, 2010);
d. Make recommendations to government on:
i) Measures to be taken in respect of operatives of defunct SARS or
officers of the Nigerian Police Force, if any, found in violation
of human rights of citizens;
ii) Propose Remedial steps that may enhance the professional
conduct of defunct SARS operatives, any succeeding unit and other
members of the
Nigeria Police Force and iii) Any other recommendations that may be
considered appropriate.

3.0 Call for Petitions

3.1 The National Human Rights Commission hereby invites members
of the public to submit Petitions or Memoranda to the IIP on
allegations of human rights violations by members of the defunct
SARS and other units of the Nigerian Police from all the States of
the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.
3.2 Petitions to the IIP should be computer-written and submitted
in the following format:

1. A heading which shall include the Name, Address, Email and
Telephone of complainant/victim.
2. A body which shall include:
a. A narrative or facts as to the nature of the human rights
violation
b. Name of the Alleged Violator (defunct SARS or other Officials of
the Police) c. Rank (if any)
d. Unit (of Officials)
e. Location of violations (where violation occurred)
f. The Command of SARS or other Officials (where known)
g. Zone (of SARS or other Officials)
h. Date of Incident(s)
i. Whether reported elsewhere before and if so, the outcome
3. Reliefs and/or Prayers sought from the Panel
4. Supporting Documents attached
5. Other material(s) or evidence
6. Names/address and contacts phones of witness (if any)
7. Signature/thumbprint of complainant/victim or legal
Representative

3.3 Every petition shall contain the following declaration at
the end of the petition, attesting to the authenticity of the facts
of the case presented to the IIP in the following format: “I
…………… (please print your name), do solemnly declare that the facts
I have presented before the Independent Investigative Panel is true
and in accordance with the Oaths Act”

3.4 Submission of Petitions
1. Petitions should be sent by email or post or deposited at the
headquarters of the Commission with the following address:
The Executive Secretary,
National Human Rights Commission No. 19, Aguiyi Ironsi Street,
Maitama, Abuja.
Email: petitions@nhrc.gov.ng
Attention: Secretary, Independent Investigative Panel (IIP) on
Human Rights Violations by SARS/Police

2. Petitions can also be sent to the offices of the Commission
in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory in the addresses
annexed to this Notice.

3.5 Petitions should reach the National Human Rights Commission
headquarters or State Office before close of business on the 2nd of
November 2020. This deadline is also applicable to petitions sent
by email.

3.6 In addition to all citizens who have been victims or
survivors of human rights violations by the Police, petitions are
also requested from the following organisations and bodies:

1. Police Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU);
2. IGP X-Squad;
3. IGP Monitoring Unit;
4. Other Police Complaint bodies;
5. Public Complaint Commission;
6. Police Service Commission;
7. Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission;
8. Any other Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal
and State Governments that have received complaints on SARS and
Police operations and activities;
9. Civil Society Organisations;
10. International Non-Governmental Organisations with country
offices in Nigeria;
11. End SARS Campaign;
12. Members of the Nigerian Bar Association

3.7 The IIP is constituted pursuant to relevant provisions of
the National Human Rights Commission Act 1995 as amended. The
procedure of the IIP shall be guided by the National Human Rights
Commission’s Act 1995 as amended, Rules of fair hearing as well as
other relevant rules and procedure as may be deemed appropriate by
the Panel in line with section 6(a) of the said Act.

3.8 The Panel will hold public sittings in Abuja and also
violation locations in six (6) geo-political zones if need
arises.

3.9 All enquiries on the activities of the IIP should be
addressed to the Secretary of the Panel who will be reached on
08006472428 or
petitions@nhrc.gov.ng

Signed

Tony Ojukwu Esq.
Executive Secretary
National Human Rights Commission, Abuja

Annex

State Offices of the National Human Rights
Commission

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is inviting members
of the public to submit complaints to its Independent Investigation
Panel (IIP) on allegations of human rights violations by members of
the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other units of
the Nigerian Police from all the States of the Federation,
including the Federal Capital Territory.

This is contained in a Notice signed by the NHRC Executive
Secretary, Tony Ojukwu Esq., made available to Nairalaw
(TNL)

Ojukwu said complaints are to be sent by email or post or
deposited at the headquarters of the Commission. The complaints can
also sent to the offices of the Commission in the 36 States and the
Federal Capital Territory

All complaints are to be sent on or before 2nd of November,
2020

Read the full notice below:

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Federal Republic of Nigeria

[Sections 6(1)(a,d,e,f and g) of the National Human Rights
Commission Act, 1995, as amended]

INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIVE PANEL ON HUMAN RIGHTS
VIOLATIONS BY DEFUNCT SPECIAL ANTI-ROBBERY SQUAD (SARS) AND OTHER
UNITS OF THE NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE 2020

CALL FOR PETITIONS/NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

1.0 Introduction

1.1 The National Human Rights Commission (the Commission) was
established by the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment)
Act 1995, with amendment in 2010 to promote and protect the human
rights of Nigerian citizens in line with the Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and other national laws, regional
and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a
state party.

1.2 The human rights violations allegedly perpetrated by
officers and men of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) and other
units of the Nigeria Police Force have come under focus in recent
times. Various reports of alleged extrajudicial killings, illegal
arrests, torture, disappearances, extortions, confiscation of
property, violations of dignity and privacy, etc. have received
national and global attentions. Nigerian citizens, especially young
people have been victims of these human rights violations and have
brought attention of the Commission and the Government of Nigeria
to the alleged violations committed by SARS and other police units
over the years.

2.0 Constitution of Independent Investigative Panel
(IIP)

2.1 In response to the above and in exercise of its independent
mandate under section 6(1)(a,d,e,f and g) of the National Human
Rights Commission Act of 2010, the Commission has established an
Independent Investigative Panel (IIP) to investigate allegations of
human rights violations against SARS and other units of the Nigeria
Police Force and to make appropriate recommendations and award
compensations where appropriate.

2.2 The Eleven-Person Panel comprises the following
members:
a. Chair of the Panel;
b. Two Representatives of the Civil Society;
c. Representative of the National Human Rights Commission;
d. Two Representatives of Nigerian Youths;
e. Representative of the Police Service Commission;
f. Representative of Nigerian Police Force;
g. Representative of the Nigerian Bar Association; and
h. Representative of the academia.

2.3 The IIP shall have a Secretariat which shall be
charged with the coordination of the work of the
Panel.
2.4 The terms and reference of the IIP are to:
a. Investigate allegations of human rights violations and abuse of
power made against defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian
Police Force. (sec. 6(a) of the NHRC Act, 2010);
b. Make determination as to the damages or compensation payable in
relation to any violation of human rights where it deems this
necessary in the circumstances of the case (sec. 6(e) of the NHRC
Act, 2010)
c. Refer any matter of human rights violation requiring prosecution
to the Attorney
General of the Federation or of a State, as the case may be in
accordance with the
NHRC Act, 2010);
d. Make recommendations to government on:
i) Measures to be taken in respect of operatives of defunct SARS or
officers of the Nigerian Police Force, if any, found in violation
of human rights of citizens;
ii) Propose Remedial steps that may enhance the professional
conduct of defunct SARS operatives, any succeeding unit and other
members of the
Nigeria Police Force and iii) Any other recommendations that may be
considered appropriate.

3.0 Call for Petitions

3.1 The National Human Rights Commission hereby invites members
of the public to submit Petitions or Memoranda to the IIP on
allegations of human rights violations by members of the defunct
SARS and other units of the Nigerian Police from all the States of
the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.
3.2 Petitions to the IIP should be computer-written and submitted
in the following format:

1. A heading which shall include the Name, Address, Email and
Telephone of complainant/victim.
2. A body which shall include:
a. A narrative or facts as to the nature of the human rights
violation
b. Name of the Alleged Violator (defunct SARS or other Officials of
the Police) c. Rank (if any)
d. Unit (of Officials)
e. Location of violations (where violation occurred)
f. The Command of SARS or other Officials (where known)
g. Zone (of SARS or other Officials)
h. Date of Incident(s)
i. Whether reported elsewhere before and if so, the outcome
3. Reliefs and/or Prayers sought from the Panel
4. Supporting Documents attached
5. Other material(s) or evidence
6. Names/address and contacts phones of witness (if any)
7. Signature/thumbprint of complainant/victim or legal
Representative

3.3 Every petition shall contain the following declaration at
the end of the petition, attesting to the authenticity of the facts
of the case presented to the IIP in the following format: “I
…………… (please print your name), do solemnly declare that the facts
I have presented before the Independent Investigative Panel is true
and in accordance with the Oaths Act”

3.4 Submission of Petitions
1. Petitions should be sent by email or post or deposited at the
headquarters of the Commission with the following address:
The Executive Secretary,
National Human Rights Commission No. 19, Aguiyi Ironsi Street,
Maitama, Abuja.
Email: petitions@nhrc.gov.ng
Attention: Secretary, Independent Investigative Panel (IIP) on
Human Rights Violations by SARS/Police

2. Petitions can also be sent to the offices of the Commission
in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory in the addresses
annexed to this Notice.

3.5 Petitions should reach the National Human Rights Commission
headquarters or State Office before close of business on the 2nd of
November 2020. This deadline is also applicable to petitions sent
by email.

3.6 In addition to all citizens who have been victims or
survivors of human rights violations by the Police, petitions are
also requested from the following organisations and bodies:

1. Police Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU);
2. IGP X-Squad;
3. IGP Monitoring Unit;
4. Other Police Complaint bodies;
5. Public Complaint Commission;
6. Police Service Commission;
7. Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission;
8. Any other Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal
and State Governments that have received complaints on SARS and
Police operations and activities;
9. Civil Society Organisations;
10. International Non-Governmental Organisations with country
offices in Nigeria;
11. End SARS Campaign;
12. Members of the Nigerian Bar Association

3.7 The IIP is constituted pursuant to relevant provisions of
the National Human Rights Commission Act 1995 as amended. The
procedure of the IIP shall be guided by the National Human Rights
Commission’s Act 1995 as amended, Rules of fair hearing as well as
other relevant rules and procedure as may be deemed appropriate by
the Panel in line with section 6(a) of the said Act.

3.8 The Panel will hold public sittings in Abuja and also
violation locations in six (6) geo-political zones if need
arises.

3.9 All enquiries on the activities of the IIP should be
addressed to the Secretary of the Panel who will be reached on
08006472428 or
petitions@nhrc.gov.ng

Signed

Tony Ojukwu Esq.
Executive Secretary
National Human Rights Commission, Abuja

Annex

State Offices of the National Human Rights
Commission