Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State has met with the demands of the National Economic Council in setting up a judicial panel that will investigate the problem of police brutality pointed out by Nigerians across the country, following the ongoing nationwide protest.
As a result, the Lagos State Governor has set up a seven-man panel of inquiry to investigate cases of brutality and human rights violations alleged to be committed by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a unit of the Nigerian Police.
In a live address at the state house in Marina, the governor said that the inauguration of a Judiciary Panel in the state came as a matter of necessity based on the five-point demands given by the youth as well as on agreements reached at the National Economic Council, which was presided over by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and attended by all governors.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that the panel will include three individuals representing civil society, one security agency representative, government representative, human rights activist and a representative of the human rights commission.
Sanwoolu said ‘A seven-member judicial panel of enquiry and restitution for victims of SARS-related abuses in Lagos State is now being constituted. This panel will ensure that all those with verifiable cases of SARS brutality and fatality get justice and receive compensation. The panel will be chaired by retired Justice Doris Okwuobi.’
He went on to say that ‘other panel members are Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN (representing the civil society); Taiwo Lakanu (a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police); Ms Patience Udoh (representing the civil society); Mr. Segun Awosanya (human rights activist), Mrs. Olutoyin Odusanya (director, Lagos Citizens Mediation Center) as well as a representative of the youth-led protest and a representative of the Human Rights Commission.
The Governor had earlier mentioned that a 200 million trust fund has been established for the compensation of victims and families of those who died at the hand of SARS operatives. The Lagos State Government has also made available hotlines for respondents on cases of police brutality.