Seeks justice for victim

Sterling law centre has decried an alleged inhuman treatment of one Patrick Okachi, a cleaner in Statement Hotel, Abuja, by the Department of Security Service (DSS).

The centre, in a statement yesterday, jointly signed by its Director, Deji Ajare and Executive communication officer, Adaobi Iyiegbu, called on the FCT Commissioner of Police, to direct immediate investigation and prosecution of suspects in the appropriate court.

The centre said: “On November 3, 2022, Okachi who works as a cleaner in Statement Hotel, Abuja was carrying out his normal duties when he was summoned by Celina Okafor, the Secretary of the hotel.

“She accused him of stealing an undisclosed amount of money from the office of the Chairman the previous day and claimed that he was caught on CCTV camera. He denied this allegation and demanded to see the CCTV footage, which was not shown to him.

“Okafor, instead of taking the lawful route, to investigate and verify her suspicion, decided to take the route of infamy, by contacting one Festus who arranged for two rogue officials of DSS to come into the office, pick Patrick and torture him by beating him severely with all kinds of weapons.

They went further to insert sharp objects in the penis, all in a bid to make him agree that he committed the theft.

“They took Patrick to another location in Dawaki, where they kept him for two days. When it was clear that Patrick was not going to confess to the crime he did not commit, the men took Patrick out and dumped him on the streets of Abuja.”

The centre noted that the brutality has been reported to the Central Police Station at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and an investigation has been launched into the matter.

The centre therefore appealed to Police authorities to ensure that any and all attempts at influencing the investigation and prosecution of the suspects are rejected.

They called on all relevant agencies, such as the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, Malami Abubakar, National Human Rights Commission, the National Committee Against Torture, civil society organisations, the media among others to lend their voices and support in their different capacities to ensure that Patrick gets justice. (The Guardian: Text, excluding headline)

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