JOS BASED LAWYER SEEKS JUSTICE FROM POLICE BRUTALITY

JOS BASED LAWYER SEEKS JUSTICE FROM POLICE BRUTALITY
21st  day of December 2012, a young lawyer Mr Michael Alloy Dawam Esq. went to performed the duty of the best man at his friend’s wedding, which went smoothly until towards the end of the wedding reception ceremony which took place at waters ways resort, bukuru low cost, in Jos.

Mr  Dawam together with the groom and some friends stayed back to sort out all remaining

outstanding issues with the management of the resort. At about 6.30pm, A certain individual who will later be identified as DSP Afegbai,  came to the venue of the reception in mufti in the company

of two ladies. On entering the premises, the said DSP Afegbai was introduce to the groom and they

exchanged pleasantries. Shortly thereafter, DSP Afegbai got to the spot where some friends of the

Groom were seated and asked that the table be removed to give him access to pass. One of the friends

Of the groom Mr Joachim responded that there was enough space and that people have been using the said access without complaints. One of the ladies with DPS Afegbai, resorted by asking Mr.Joachim if he knew who he is talking to and he answered in the negative. Thereon in apparent and brazen displayed of power and brute force,DSP Afegbai, splapped the said Joachim as introduction of who he is, Mr.Joachim made to inquire the reason for the slap, but some  of the other friends of the groom intervened and pacified Mr.Joachim.

DPS Afegbai, was held back from further assaulting Mr. Joachim, and was being taken away from the premises, when to the surprise of everyone DPS turned round, pulled out a pistol aim and shot at the crowd. The gun shot apparently aimed at Mr. Joachim met Mr Michael Alloy Dawam Esq.



Mr Dawam  who was oblivious of the happenings within the premises, and was not even seated close

to where the exchange or avoidable confusion took place and was not party to the discussions between

Mr. Joachim, DSP Afegbai and the two ladies.



Mr Dawam immediately slumped upon being hit by the bullet from the gun shot of DSP Afegbai, and he exclaimed that he had been shot. Security personal,who heard the gun shot came into the premises, and together in the company of DSP Afegbai, drove our him to the hospital, his friends also accompanied them to plateau state Specialist Hospital.

Ater series of X-ray tests and blood transfusion were taken on our colleague, he was referred to the

Jos University Teaching Hospital for additional medical attention. he remained in the hospital

until the 31st day of December 2012, when he was discharged, and give further appointment as an out-patient. And since then he has been in and out of the hospital with his medical bill pilling up.

On one of the medical review visits, the Doctors upon observation readmitted Mr Dawam to address certain medical issues arising from complications from the gun shot injury. he was again placed on admission for an additional seven days for the evacuation of fluids said to have accumulated close to his lungs. At the point of discharged he was given a three week medical check appointment. On his return to the hospital again, no proper examination could be undertaken as his medical file was said to have been collected by the police. As part of the medical review, he had to undergo fresh x-rays tests. These X-rays reveal with worry that his health is in jeopardy.

It is amazed to note that despite the promises made to address the illegality of the shooting, nothing has been done, or said towards dealing with the illegal use of firearm or regarding the conclusion of the police investigation into this matter. Clearly it does not appear as though the Force is taking this gross misconduct seriously.

However, it is instructive to note that the commissioner of Police commendably held a meeting with some members of the executive of the Jos Branch of the Bar Association and the principal of the office where Mr Dawam works while he was still on admission in January 2013,

The commissioner among others assured the meeting that everything will be done to ensure that the shooting of Mr Dawam is addressed in accordance with the rule of law and due process. Thereafter, the commissioner of Police also paid a visit to our colleague and promised that the matter would be adequately investigated and action taken on the DSP Afegbai but to the lawyers association’s surprise

Dsp Afegbai was seen been driven round the city in Police Van as O/C of SARS.

The case is in court and has been adjourned from hearing on the 21st of this month.

In summary, Mr Alloy Dawam is hanging  unto the fragile hope that the police is still a friend to the society as we await your prompt action on this matter.

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