Katsina govt sets up panel to investigate alleged torture by Hisbah officers

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

This followed the emergence of a video showing the board’s personnel torturing individuals in the state.

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

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

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

READ ALSO: Hisbah seizes 142 cartons of alcohol in Katsina

Members of the committee were drawn from the Ministries of Religious Affairs, Internal Security and Justice, the Department of Public Service Administration, and Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), while the Director of Security, SSG Office would serve as secretary.

The committee was mandated to investigate the veracity or otherwise of the alleged torture of individuals by the Hisbah personnel.

The SSG said: “Investigate other allegations of victimisation and torture being perpetuated by the operatives; study the law establishing Hisbah board to determine lapses (if any) leading to violations of human rights.

“To come up with recommendations that will address findings, identify Hisbah personnel who are involved in the act of victimisation and torture of people and recommend sanctions.”

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

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