The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and Department of State Security Service, SSS, has been summoned by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to appear before it over the killing of eight squatters in the Gudu area of Abuja.

The security agencies later claimed the victims were members of the outlawed Boko Haram; a claim faulted by witnesses and residents of the area.

The NHRC also summoned the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Asokoro General Hospital, The Gudu Keke-NAPEP Association, Human Rights organisation, Global Rights, National Security Adviser, and the owner of the property were the killing occurred to appear at the hearing billed for December 19.

It was recorded that on September 20, soldiers and SSS operatives, allegedly working on the intelligence that a Boko Haram cell in the Gudu area was planning an attack, stormed an uncompleted building mostly inhabited by tricycle drivers and other squatters killing eight persons and wounding several others.

The squatters said they were not members of the terrorist group and that they may have been attacked due to an alleged eviction controversy with the owner of the property. Despite not providing any evidence that the security officials came under attack during the operation, the military rose in defence of its officials saying they acted appropriately.

The NHRC says the three issues to be determined are:

(i)  Whether the victims were indeed operatives of Boko Haram;

(ii) Whether, taking account of all the circumstances, the force applied in the operation was proportionate to any threat identified or directed at the security operatives or the general public; and

(iii)  Whether, in the circumstances, the killing was lawful or unlawful.

The NHRC also directed that the Attorney General of the Federation should be included in the petition.

Amaechi vs Rivers Commissioner of Police

The commission also acknowledged the receipt of the interim report of investigation on the case between the River State Governor and The River State Police commissioner and promised to give the case accelerated hearing. The commission also directed that the Attorney General of the Federation should be included in the case. Hearing on the case has been fixed for early 2014.