Police IG promises to carry out fair investigation into Zaria killings

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Solomon Arase has promised to carry out a professional investigation into the recent clash between the Nigerian Army and the Shiite Islamic group in Zaria, Kaduna state.

This is contained in statement issued by the Force Spokesperson, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olabisi Kolawole in Abuja on Tuesday.

It stated that Arase gave the promise when a delegation of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, led by its Secretary-General Prof. Ishaq Oloyede visited him.

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Arase appealed to the Islamic body to use its platform to caution all groups in the country against encroaching on other citizens’ rights.

"While they have the constitutional rights to express their views, it should not circumscribe the rights of others," he said.

The I-G denied an online report which quoted hime as saying that relations of detained would have to seek special clearance before they would be allowed to visit them.

"The Inspector-General of Police at no time said there would be special clearance from anywhere before the Shiite members could be visited while still in custody," it said.

The statement made it clear that the detainees could be visited by their friends, relatives and lawyers, after undergoing necessary procedures.

He reassured members of the public of the Force’s commitment to the protection of lives and property and adherence to the tenets of fundamental human rights.