Killings in Niger: Commission of Inquiry begins sitting

The Commission of inquiry constituted by the Niger State government to investigate the killing in some communities of Mashegu Local Government Area in Niger State have commenced sitting in Minna with the call on witnesses and the public to cooperate with the commission to arrive at ensuring justice.

The Chairman of the Judicial Commission of inquiry, Justice Danladi Ahmed Baddegi made the call at the inaugural sitting of the Commission in Minna, explained that the Commission was constituted by the Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani Bello to look into the collosal killing in Mazakuka, Adogomallam, Kuluho and other surrounding communities in Mashegu Local Government area by unknown gunmen.

He stated that the Commission being a fact finding Commission was constituted to ensure justice is given to all parties, stressing that the findings of the Commission would be transmitted to the governor for the necessary directive that the government would recommend.

He reminded all stakeholders and witnesses that would appear before the Commission to adhere strictlly to the laid down procedure to avoid any act of distraction during the proceedings of the Commission.

The Chairman of the Commission equally pleaded with the counsels that would appear before the Commission to assist in making available the required envidences that would enable the commission arrive at ensuring justice to all parties.

He admonished parties to guide against any act that truncate the procedures and standing rules of the Commission, warning that any body that try the patience of the Commission would face the full wrath of the Commission.

“Any body that try our patience, I as a judge can arrest or order for his arrest. And I don’t pray for that. But I’m seeking for the support of all stakeholders in the commission with all the necessary evidence that will assist the commission in arriving at Justice.” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the Counsels of the Commission, a senior legal practitioner in Minna, Barrister Musa Suleiman assured the Commission of the support and cooperation of all the Counsels that would appear before the Commission in ensuring the smooth procedures of the hearing.

He noted that the Constitution of the Commission of inquiry by the State government would assist in curtailing the increasing proportion of banditry activities in some communities in Niger State.

He commended the State governor, Abubakar Sani Bello for deeming it necessary to constitute the Commission of inquiry, stating that with the calibre of personality of the commission, the aim and objective of the Commission would be achieved.

Also, speaking the chair of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in Minna, Barrister Mohammed Abubakar El-Surur commended the State government for appointing Justice Danladi Ahmed Baddegi as the Chairman of the Commission.

He described the Chairman of the Commission as a man of impeachable integrity that would not compromise in arriving at justice in the discharge of this onerous responsibility given to him.

“The Chairman of the Commission, His lordship Justice Danladi Ahmed is a person I knew right from our University days in Sokoto. I know him to be a man of integrity and a man of honesty and Justice. I don’t have doubt in my mind that Justice would be arrive at with the person at helm of the Commission as chairman” he asserted.

He then assured of the Commission of the NBA support and cooperation at ensuring the successful completion of the commission procedeengs.

The Judicial Commission of inquiry was constituted as a result of the invasion of some communities in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State where some gunmen suspected to be armed bandits killed some worshipers in the mosque, while observing their Subhi prayers on the 25 of October 2021.

The Judicial Commission of inquiry was constituted by governor Abubakar Sani Bello to investigate the remote courses of the killing and those behind the killing and recommend the appropriate action to be taken against any body found indicted.

The commission has one month to submit it report to the government.

Members of the Commission include Justice Danladi Ahmed Baddegi as the Chairman, Hon Kasimu Danjuma, CP Wakili Mate Rtd, and CP Mohammed Danjuma Rtd. Others are Barrister Moses Chiroma Gamzhi the State Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Col. Abdullahi S. Judy Rtd and Mallam Yakubu D. Musa.