Falana Wants NHRC To Probe 21 Lockdown Killings

By Ayodele Oluwafemi

Constitutional and Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN has asked the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, to update the report of persons killed by security operatives during the last 14days lockdown from 18 to 21.

NHRC, in a report, released on Wednesday, stated that 18 persons were killed by Nigeria security operatives during the enforcement of lockdown across the country.

Falana, in a letter addressed to the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, noted that three other persons were killed, which was not captured in the commission’s report.

The constitutional lawyer noted that a taxi driver in Cross River State and two other persons were shot dead by the police in Anambra State.

He urged the commission to update and investigate the other killings, while calling for compensation for the families of the victims.

Part of the letter reads,  “Our attention has been drawn to your report on the 18 people that were brutally killed in Kaduna, Abia, Niger and Katsina states by the armed personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed by the Federal Government to enforce the COVID-19 Regulations.

“‎However, we have confirmed the unlawful killing of three other persons after the compilation of your report.

“Specifically, a taxi driver in Cross River State while two other persons were shot dead by the police in Anambra State.

“Thus, you will agree with us that 21 Nigerian citizens have lost their lives in the hands of trigger happy security personnel under the pretext of enforcing the COVID-19 regulations.

“Apart from updating your report, we urge you to use your good offices to conduct an investigation into the unlawful killing of the 21 persons and ensure that the culprits are prosecuted for murder or culpable homicide.

“Furthermore, we request you to ensure that the bereaved family members of the slain citizens are adequately compensated by the federal government.”

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