Falana writes Rights Commission, insists 21 persons, not 18 were killed by security agents

Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana has told the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that contrary to its position, 21 Nigerians were killed and not 18 during the COVID-19 induced lockdown in parts of the country.

It would be recalled that the commission had said on Wednesday in a report that 18 persons were extrajudicially executed by security agents during enforcment of the lockdown ordered by the Federal Government.

Falana, in a letter to the NHRC, which he addressed to its Executive Secretary on Thursday, said three other killings were not captured in the report.

The letter reads in part: “Our attention has been drawn to your report on the 18 people that were brutally killed in Kaduna, Abia, Niger and Katsina states by the armed personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed by the Federal Government to enforce the COVID-19 Regulations.

“However, we have confirmed the unlawful killing of three other persons after the compilation of your report.

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“Specifically, a taxi driver in Cross River State while two other persons were shot dead by the police in Anambra State.

“Thus, you will agree with us that 21 Nigerian citizens have lost their lives in the hands of trigger happy security personnel under the pretext of enforcing the COVID-19 regulations.”

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), called on the NHRC to update the report, and also investigate the killings, adding that the families of the victims also deserved to be paid compensation.

“Apart from updating your report, we urge you to use your good offices to conduct an investigation into the unlawful killing of the 21 persons and ensure that the culprits are prosecuted for murder or culpable homicide.

“Furthermore, we request you to ensure that the bereaved family members of the slain citizens are adequately compensated by the federal government”, Falana said.

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