Governor Sawolu inaugurates 8-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry, Restitution to investigate police brutality

Governor Babajide Sanwolu of Lagos State has on Monday inaugurated an 8-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution which will receive and investigate complaints of police brutality in the State.

The move was made to end police brutality in line with the presidential directive to all States of the federation and by virtue of Section 5 of Tribunals of Inquiry Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

According to the Governor, the panel will in the next 24 hours be joined by 2 youth representatives and a member of the National Human Rights Commission as to provide restitution while following due process.

He said beyond setting up the panel which is hoped to serve as a representation of the broader interests, the state government has established a N200 million fund for compensation to families and individuals who have been victimized by officers of the disbanded SARS.

He further disclosed that orderly room trials of erring policemen resulting in dismissals, demotions and more severe punishment for human rights violations have begun.

The Governor however encouraged everyone brutalized by the disbanded SARS including the families of those who have died to present their cases before this Panel.

“In Lagos, beyond setting up this panel which we hope will serve as a representation of our broader interests, we have established a N200 million fund for compensation to families and individuals who have been victimized by officers of the disbanded SARS” Sanwolu said.

“We have also started engaging with protesters and all sides affected in all this”.

“We have witnessed the protests of our youth against police brutality. The pain of this generation has been felt in various parts of our state and country, as well as in the diaspora, all speaking with one voice against the unbridled violation of their rights and lives”

“I am on the side of the young people out there. I understand your pain and I know your concerns are legitimate.

“I must reiterate that while we were able to immediately acquiesce to some of your demands, some will require time: we ask you to bear with us as we work on them”.

“I will like to renew my appeal to you to suspend the protests and create an atmosphere for the resolution of all pending demands.