Lagos sets up panel to probe police brutality

PDP seeks compensation for victims

The Lagos State Government has set up a seven-man panel to look into police brutality in the state, especially those committed by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this at the State House, Marina, speaking on the attack on #EndSARS protesters. According to him, the seven-man panel to be headed by Justice Doris Okuwobi has Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa as member, while a slot has been left for a youth and a human rights commission.

“Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution for Victims of SARS-Related Abuses in Lagos State is now being constituted. This seven-man panel will ensure that all those with verifiable cases of SARS brutality or fatality receive compensation,” he said, adding that the panel would first work for six months.

“We will also be setting up a help desk for the complaints, and petitions to the panel. As from next week, you can reach the help desk on 09010513203, 09010513204 and 09010513205.

Sanwo-Olu said four police officers involved in the attack of protesters on Monday had been apprehended and are going through room trial.

“All four errant police officers – Insp. Bagou Michael, Insp. Ekpoudom Etop. Sgt. Nnamdi Majura and Sgt. Akinyemi Benson –are facing an orderly room trial which we are monitoring closely.”He said the government was not responsible for the attack.

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Federal Government to compensate victims of police brutality and carry out comprehensive police reforms.

The National Chairman, Uche Secondus, told reporters in Abuja yesterday that the party had discussed the nomination of President Muhammadu Buhari’s aide, Lauretta Onochie, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but decided not to emphasise it.

“We have also discussed the issue of EndSARS and SWAT. We believe that a comprehensive police and policing reforms will be an answer to police brutality.

“While endorsing the five terms raised by the protesters, we appeal to compensate families of victims adequately.”