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 following their inauguration by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The panel commenced proceedings at the Lagos State Waterways Authority Headquarters, LASWA YARD, Falomo Jetty.
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 judge stated that the panel would investigate complaints from victims of the disbanded Special Anti–Robbery Squad (SARS) or any other police unit, with a view to ascertaining their validity.
Other members of the panel were a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ebun Adegboruwa, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (IGP), Taiwo Lakanu and a representative of civil society organization, Mrs. Patience Udoh.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) on behalf of the government and people of Lagos, thanked the 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.
Two representatives of EndSARS protesters are expected to join the panel.
The panel is expected to recommend compensations and/or other remedies appropriate for each case.
Also, the panel of inquiry is scheduled to sit daily (Mondays to Fridays) from 10am to 4pm for the next six months.
