Police brutality: Victims seek garnishing of police bank account

Abasiofiok Inyang

Victims of police brutality in Akwa Ibom State have approached the Judicial Panel sitting in the state to investigate human rights abuses and police brutality to seek redress and enforcement of court order on judgment debt against the police on the abuse of their rights, especially as it concerns the garnishing of police bank account.

In a particular case, a victim, Chief Maurice Udoidiong memo has urged the Panel to recommend and ensure that the judgment debt he secured against the police since 2010 to the tune of 300 million naira over the abuse of his rights and other damages incurred  is enforced through the garnishing of police account.

Represented by his counsel, Justina Inyang Esq, the victim had told the Panel that it has been difficult to enforce the court order, thus, his decision to petition the Panel.

Another victim, Ekpa Ekpa is also seeking the enforcement of court order in lieu of N1.275 million judgment debt against the police. He had secured a high court judgment over the abuse of his rights.

On his part, another victim, Friday Michael Udo petitioned the panel over illegal arrest and detention by SARS as well as an order to enforce the garnishing of police bank accounts over the N820,000 judgment debt he secured in court since 2014.

Another victim, Idongesit Enobong Ibanga, who was illegal arrested, detained his Volkswagen Passat Salon car impounded, equally approached the panel seeking redress and an order to enforce a judgment debt of N500,000 against the police, release of his car, two mobile phones and N65,000 that was seized from him.

Meanwhile, a victim and ex- corps members from Imo State serving then in Akwa Ibom State, Sixtus Ikwuka told the panel how he lost N322,000 to SARS operatives, when he was abducted and taken to his house in Uyo to break into his saving box on false accusations of being a criminal. He is seeking redress and return of his hard-earned money.

In the meantime, the panel has ordered that OC SARS appear before the panel on Monday, November 23, to explain reasons behind the continued holding of property of the victims after valid court order.