- by africanheraldexpress with report from TIMES -
In a new twist, British press has beamed its searchlight on a Briton, Khomeini Bukhari, who has been pressing a case against the Nigerian police for an attack he said some policemen directed against him last year in Abuja.
The story was captured in a February 13, 2012 publication by TIMES (a British paper), captioned “Justice on the cards for Hendon man allegedly attacked by Nigerian police”. Below is the rest of the details from the TIMES:
A man is hoping justice will finally be served after he was allegedly attacked by Nigerian police officers, leaving him traumatised.
Khomeini Bukhari, of Woolmead Avenue, West Hendon, was visiting Millennium Park in Abuja, Nigeria, on October 29 last year when, he alleges, police officers approached him, threatening him and telling him the park was closed.
Mr Bukhari, who was visiting the country to plan his wedding, claims the officers stole £800 in cash and his watch, which had an estimated value of £4,790.
He said: “I pleaded with them and they were threatening to beat me and strip me naked and kidnap me,”
Mr Bukhari, who has visited Nigeria since 2009, has battled for justice since the attack.
In response to the lack of action on the part of the Nigerian authorities, the British High Commission in Nigeria lodged a formal complaint to the Minister of Foreign Affairs over the issue.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, the Honourable Usman Bello Kumo in Nigeria, has now promised to fly Mr Bukhari out to Nigeria within the next few weeks when, he says, Mr Bukhari will receive compensation and have his expenses paid.
The Nigerian authorities say seven suspects have been arrested and that there will be an identity parade during which Mr Bukhari will have the chance to identify the men who attacked him.
The Honourable Kumo is also offering to give him a police escort while he is in the country.
Mr Bukhari said: “I am very happy about the whole thing. I have worked very hard and now my efforts have paid off.
“This experience has tarnished my view of Nigeria but I am happy to go back as they have promised to protect me.
“I know that plenty of people will be angry because I have really embarrassed them in the media so I need the protection to keep me safe.”
