Katsina govt forms panel to probe alleged torture by Hisbah officers

The Katsina State government has set up a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of torture by personnel of the state Hisbah Board.

This follows the emergence of videos showing council personnel torturing a number of people in the state.

Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, said in a statement on Wednesday that the decision followed complaints received by the government.

He said the acting governor, Faruk Lawal-Jobe, ordered the formation of a committee to investigate the allegations and make recommendations.

Garba-Faskari revealed that the committee would be headed by the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaji Aliyu Lawal.

READ ALSO: Hisbah seizes 142 cartons of liquor in Katsina

The committee members are from the Ministries of Religious Affairs, Internal Security and Justice, Department of Public Service Administration, and the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), while the Director of Security, Office of the SSG will act as secretary.

The committee is mandated to investigate the truth or otherwise of allegations of torture against individuals by Hisbah personnel.

The SSG said: “Investigate other allegations of victimization and torture by operatives; study the law establishing the Hisbah council to determine negligence (if any) leading to human rights violations.

“To provide recommendations that will address the findings, identify Hisbah personnel involved in acts of victimization and torture of individuals, and recommend sanctions.”

The committee is expected to submit its report within 10 days.

Katsina govt sets up panel to probe alleged torture by Hisbah officers first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.