EndSars Judicial Panel: Couple testify to losing two pregnancies while in SARS custody
“They tortured me in the name of interrogating me. For one week I was starved; I did not eat or drink; even as a pregnant woman,” said Mrs. Ndubuisi Obiechina, an identified teacher, who was victimised by the ‘notorious’ Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) unit.
Recounting her ordeals alongside her husband [Mr. Okwuchukwu], before a judicial panel set by Lagos State government, to seeking justice for the victims of police brutality, and EndSars protests; Mrs. Ndubisi said she was detained and tortured by SARS for 22 days with her husband in 2017.
“I only discovered I had lost the baby when I went to hospital, upon leaving the SARS ‘cell'”
The teacher mentioned Phillip Rieninwa, Christian and Haruna Idowu as some of the SARS officers who allegedly tortured the couple.
She noted that Okwuchukwu was released following an order of the Federal High Court in Lagos; but was rearrested, then she became pregnant again.
Ndubuisi testified that, “Due to the emotional trauma, I lost my second pregnancy. We sued SARS at the Lagos Federal High Court and we were awarded ₦2 million damages for the torture and brutality.
“Since then they have not paid the money. The case was taken to the Appeal Court and it was dismissed and till now they (SARS) have not done anything”
Ndubisi further alleged that SARS officers also collected ₦50,000 from her husband, whereas the couple had to bail themselves from SARS custody with a sum of ₦400,000.
Retired Justice Doris Okuwobi (Mrs.), head of the panel, notarised the first hearing of the petition, and adjourned the matter till November 10, 2020.
“Those SARS officers have to be brought here so that we can hear their own side of the story. This petition is adjourned to Nov. 10,” she said.
Mazi Ozoemela Chikwas reporting, Obinwannem News
