#EndSARS: Lagos Judicial Panel Commences Sittings
The seven-member Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution to investigate cases of brutality and human rights violations committed by operatives of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Lagos State has commenced sitting on Monday, following its inauguration by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The panel commenced proceedings at the Lagos State Waterways Authority Headquarters, (LASWA YARD), Falomo Jetty.
Members of the panel include, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ogunsanya, Director, Lagos State Directorate of Citizen’s Rights and Ms Patience Patrick-Udoh, a representative of the civil society groups.
Others are: Ebun Adegoruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (IGP), Taiwo Lakanu.
The panel of inquiry is scheduled to sit daily (Mondays to Fridays) from 10am to 4pm for the next six months.
However, the panel on Monday said that it was waiting for the two nominated representatives of the youths to begin proceedings.
In his inaugural speech, chairman of the panel, Justice Doris Okuwobi (rtd) assured citizens of Lagos that the panel would be committed to transparency and accountability by making its reports and recommendations public.
He also promised to ensure justice for victims.
Justice Okuwobi however urged victims and witnesses of alleged violations by security forces, including extrajudicial executions, torture and rape to appear before it.
The Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) on behalf of the government and people of Lagos, thanked members of the panel for accepting the responsibility of hearing cases of alleged abuses by the police.
The AG assured all citizens of Lagos particularly the protesting youths that the panel is the first step to reforming the police.
With this panel, we are inviting anybody who has ever suffered any form of abuse under the disbanded SARS to come forward before the panel.
“They can come forward in whatever manner either orally, electronically, hard or soft copies to air their grievances.
“The panel has absolute powers at its absolute discretion to award compensation to deserving victims and their families.
