The Justice Ada Ehigiamusoe-led Edo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry for victims of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and related abuses on Wednesday halted further proceedings on the petition against Carol Afegbai, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police.
The panel’s decision was sequel to the retired police officer’s suit filed at the Edo State High Court challenging the warrant of arrest issued on her by the panel.
The panel had on Tuesday, last week, issued a warrant of arrest on the retired Police Officer, Carol Afegbai over alleged involvement in the murder of a final year student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ibrahim Momodu, in 2013.
Afegbai, who is a counter petitioner was supposed to appear before the panel on Wednesday, December 9 (today), to answer allegations leveled against her.
However, at the resumption of hearing on Wednesday in Benin City, chairman of the panel, Justice Ada Ehigiamusoe (Rtd) announced that the panel has been put on notice from a superior court of law by Afegbai.
She said since the panel has been served with an order to stay further proceedings in the petition, they (panel) will not be an exception to obedience to court orders.
“There is a process against each and everyone of this panel from a more superior court of law, that is the high court.
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“We will not be reckless in the obedience of the law. Until it is determined, we will not be in a position to say anything now. We will appear in court and answer for the summons. We are not afraid, non partisan, we are only here to do justice in line with the terms of reference given to us”,she said
The chairman adjourned to Monday, December 21 pending the decision of the high court sitting scheduled to hold on Thursday, December 17.
“It is most exigent that this matter be adjourned for further action in respect of the processes filed against the panel. We are going to adjourn to enable us know what the outcome of the high court will be. The matter is adjourned to Monday, December 21,” she added.
