The family of the late social activist says it cannot participate in the hearings because members are uncertain about the committee’s “real intent”
The family of the late Ibrahim “Kaaka” Mohammed, whose murder sparked violence in Ejura, has served notice they are unable to appear before the committee of inquiry because they are “less certain of the scope, focus, real intent and even the utility of the ongoing inquiry”.
In a letter addressed to the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, the family also said the work of the committee has not met their expectations over the past few days hence their decision to stay off.
“We, the family of Ibrahim ‘Kaaka’ Mohammed, regret to formally notify you of our decision to not participate in the ongoing public inquisition, which is purportedly concerned with the ‘circumstances that led to the unfortunate occurrences of Tuesday 29 June 2021’.
“However, events over the past few days, have left less certain of the scope, focus, real intent, and even utility of the ongoing inquiry. As such, we feel let down in our enthusiasm for what we assumed would provide a much-needed opportunity for truth, soul-searching, and institutional accountability for state-sanctioned violence,” the letter said.
Apprehension
It added: “In addition, having sought and obtained independent legal advice as to the work of the Committee, and our rights vis-à-vis the Committee, we have become apprehensive of the substantive and procedural regularity of the Committee’s work. We are also now concerned that the Committee’s work does not provide the appropriate framework for a full, faithful, and impartial inquiry, as envisaged under Article 278 of the 1992 Constitution. In this connection, we note, in particular:
“(1) Our regret with the decision to not establish this inquiry using the powers provided for under Article 278 of the 1992 Constitution. We are concerned that the failure to institute a proper Commission of Inquiry under Article 278, means that this Committee of inquiry does not have the powers, rights, and privileges of the High Court or a Justice of the High Court at a trial. As such, the Committee has no power to (a) enforce the attendance of witnesses and examine them on oath.
“Watching the proceedings over the past few days, we have found the Committee’s inability to enforce the attendance of witnesses and examine them on oath as well as to compel any documents, to be very puzzling. We are also concerned that these restrictions put the Committee in a position where it can neither vet, validate nor substantiate any statements made before it; nor cross-examine the testimonies of the witnesses on the basis of facts independently procured.”
Extension
Meanwhile, the three-member ministerial committee of inquiry into the shooting incidents in Ejura is seeking one further week to complete its work.
In a letter addressed to the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, the committee said it needs more time in order to take more testimonies to unravel circumstances leading to the deaths of two protesters in clashes with security personnel.
The committee is therefore requesting an extension of the deadline to complete its work to Friday 16 July 2021.
Below is the family’s full letter:
