#ForAGreaterLagos: Sanwo-olu Sets Up Panel To investigate SARS Brutality

#ForAGreaterLagos: Sanwo-olu Sets Up Panel To investigate SARS Brutality––Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has made a move to address the five-point demands of the youth demonstrating against SARS brutality by raising a 7-man Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution.

The duty of this panel headed by retired Justice Doris Okuwobi will be to investigate cases of brutality and human rights violations committed by operatives of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the State between a period of six months.

The Governor made this announcement during a live address held at the State House, Marina. He also set aside a N200 million Trust Fund for the compensation of victims and families of those who died in the course of SARS’ activities.

The panel members has three individuals representing Civil Society, one person representing security agency and one person representing the Government. Human Rights Commission and protesters are also expected to nominate their representatives, before the panel commences sitting next week.

He said: “I attended a National Economic Council Sub-Committee Meeting in which the major focus was the ongoing EndSARS protests and the necessary steps to take to assuage the feelings of the protesters. In line with the five-point demands of the protesters, we unanimously decided to inaugurate a panel of investigation into human rights abuses.

“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 or fatality get justice and receive compensation. The panel will be chaired by retired Justice Doris Okuwobi.

“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.”

He also added that a help desk for the public complaints and petitions to the panel has been set up and can be used Lagos residents, who have petitions against SARS.The numbers are: 0901 051 3203, 0901 051 3204 and 0901 051 3205.