JORAS - Nigerian Journal of Religion and Society

T immediately awakens curiosity. Even more so the cover: an old grey evil-looking door, riddled with bullet holes, the black door handle daring one to peek inside while simultaneously giving a stay-back warning. This is an Insider's account of the author's time on the Judicial Commission for the Investigation of Human Rights Violations, popularly known as the Oputa Panel, which was nominated by President Olusegan Obasanjo and over which there has been quite a bit of speculation. Inaugurated in June 1999, the Commission, of which Kukah was a prominent member, was given the task to investigate the causes, nature and extent of human rights violations in Nigeria since 1966 to May 1999, determine the role of the state in the violations and recommend means to pursue justice and prevent future abuses.

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