As #EndSARS protest spreads amid rising tempers in major Nigerian cities, some glimpse of hope seems to be emerging in Lagos, as the state government has inaugurated a judicial panel of inquiry and restitution on police brutality and violation of citizens’ rights.
Asides pacifying millions of the protesting youths who have vowed not to leave the streets, the inauguration of the panel is also aimed at identifying victims of the disbanded SARS in Lagos, compensate them, as well as identify and bring their predators to justice.
The move followed a demand by protesters in the #EndSARS campaign for an end to police brutality.
The panel headed by Justice Doris Okuwobi of the Lagos State High Court which was sworn in at the Lagos House, Marina is to hold daily sittings at the Head Office of the Lagos State Waterways Authority at Falomo Roundabout, in Ikoyi.
Members of the panel include human rights lawyers, Messrs Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) and Segun Awosanya, popularly known as Segalinks.
Announcing the move on his twitter handle on Monday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said “As we move to end police brutality, by virtue of Section 5 of Tribunals of Inquiry Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, I inaugurated an 8-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution which will receive and investigate complaints of police brutality in Lagos”.
He said the terms of reference of the panel will include the following:
Read also: Sanwo-Olu lists four policemen as suspected killers of #EndSARS protester in Lagos
“To listen to & take evidence from all victims or the families of victims of SARS abuse within Lagos State (somewhat akin to what the Truth and Reconciliation Committee did in some countries). This would enable all victims & their families air and vent their grievances in public.
“The Judicial Panel after listening to victims or their families would then determine whether any victim or the dependents of such victims are entitled to compensation and the amount of compensation payable.
“Upon determining the compensation payable, the Judicial Panel is to immediately issue a check in favour of the victim or their dependents.
“The Judicial Panel is also to determine the officers (or anyone for that matter) responsible for abusing any victim and to recommend the prosecution of such persons.
“The Panel shall also have powers to make recommendations to Government on how to ensure that the Police and all security agencies never abuse the rights of citizens again”.
