Presidential panel constituted by the Federal Government to investigate cases of human rights abuses levelled against the Nigerian Armed Forces on Tuesday began sitting in Lagos.
The panel, which is operating from the Ikeja High Court, has the mandate to review extant rules of engagement applicable in the Armed Forces of Nigeria and to what extent the actors have complied.
The presidential investigation panel inaugurated by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on August 11, 2017, while acting as president, in the six geopolitical zones of the country on various dates from September 11 to November 3 with the Southwest Panel sitting in Lagos from October 23 to October 26.
The eight-man panel headed by Justice Biobele Georgewill of the Court of Appeal include Patrick Akem, Olawale Fapohunda and Hauwa Ibrahim. Others are Jibrin Ibrahim, Ifeoma Nwakama, Abba Ibrahim and Adamu Abdulkadir.
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It is to hear at least six petitions of alleged human rights abuses brought against the Armed Forces by various individuals.
The panel’s terms of reference includes unravelling alleged acts of violation of international humanitarian and human rights law under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, Geneva Convention Act, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other relevant laws by the Armed Forces in local conflicts and insurgencies.
It is also to investigate matters of conduct and discipline in the armed forces in local conflicts and insurgencies and recommend means of preventing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in conflict situation.
They are also expected to make further recommendations in line with the terms of reference as may be deemed necessary.
