LAGOS STATE JUDICIAL PANEL ON POLICE BRUTALITY AND RESTITUTION IN THE EYES OF AN OBSERVER

Published

4 years ago

February 18, 2021

Sahara Weekly

SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES LAGOS HOS, MURI-OKUNOLA AT 50

LAGOS STATE JUDICIAL PANEL ON POLICE BRUTALITY AND RESTITUTION IN THE EYES OF AN OBSERVER

Following the #EndSARS protests which rocked most parts of the country

in October 2020, the federal government in the heat of the protest

acceded to the 5 point demands of the protesters in response to their

agitations and as a means of encouraging them to leave the streets

which had taken a negative toll on social, economic and political life

of some states due to the total lockdown occasioned by the blockade of

roads and highways for days and its attendant violation of the rights

of other law abiding citizens to free movement and extortion of

motorists and commuters by some protesters at roads points before they

could secure safe passage.

But lo and behold, the protesters turned a deaf ear to the call for

dialogue from the federal government and well meaning Nigerians and

groups who originally bought into the ideals of the agitations and

started shifting the goal post in the middle of the game by coming up

with new demands to the authorities, which pointed to the fact that

the protest as genuine as it seemed, had now transformed into the

Biblical hand of Esau, but the voice of Jacob.

This refusal of the protesters to embrace dialogue and peaceful

resolution of the demands of the protest as proposed by the federal

government saw the protest turned more violent and criminality

perpetrated with the invasion, looting and burning of police stations,

private homes, offices, release of cell inmates, stealing of arms and

ammunition as well as attack and killing of law enforcement agents and

innocent citizens.

Before we go further, we must quickly recollect that days after the

commencement of the #EndSARS protest and particularly on the12th of

October 2020, the protest had taken a criminal dimension with the

killing of two persons including a policeman in Surulere and the

attack on the Anti kidnapping unit station of the Nigeria police force

Surulere division, the burning of police and exhibit vehicles, the

release of kidnap suspects from police detention facility and the

burning down of private properties in Surulere area of Lagos state.

Unfortunately, due to the glaring breakdown of law and order,

occasioned by the attack on security agencies and formations and the

attendant carting away of arms and ammunition and the release of

inmates from police detention facilities with the associated loss of

human lives and destruction of public and private properties and the

attack on correctional facilities with the motive to free inmates, the

Lagos State government was left with no other option but to declare a

statewide curfew which was expected to commence at 4pm but was later

shifted to 9pm on the 20th October, 2020.

In the process of enforcing the curfew in Lagos state in line with

statutory procedure, the Nigeria military was drafted in to restore

law and order. The Nigeria Army in line with its constitutional

mandate was drafted to all parts of the state as evidenced from the

military testimony at the Lagos state judicial panel with images and

videos, but the area which attracted local and global attention was

the confrontation of the military with #EndSARS protesters at one of

their famous convergence point, the Lekki tollgate plaza on the Lekki

Epe expressway corridor on the 20th of October, 2020 which was

described by some section of the media as a massacre of peaceful

protesters.

Subsequently, the threat to national security was heightened by the

criminal invasion and attack of government institutions and private

warehouses across the country by protesters who vandalized and stole

Covid-19 palliatives and everything in sight as a result of the

tension generated by the Lekki tollgate plaza incident which attracted

local and international attention with a call for justice not only for

the victims of SARS related abuses, but also for an investigation of

the Lekki tollgate plaza incident to unravel the truth of what

transpired on the 20th October, 2020, though latter developments

changed the narrative of the occurrence from Massacre to Incident in

the public domain.

Thereafter, the Lagos state government in obedience to the National

Economic Council (NEC) meeting communiqué and in line with one of the

5 for 5 demands of #EndSARS protesters, directives that all states of

the federation should set up a judicial panel of inquiry into SARS

abuses and compensation for victims, established its own judicial

panel of inquiry into SARS abuses and compensation and even extended

its mandate to include an inquiry into the October 20th 2020 Lekki

tollgate plaza incident.

The Lagos State judicial panel of inquiry on restitution for victims

of SARS related abuses and other matters was inaugurated by the Lagos

state Governor on 19th of October, 2020 and comprised nine members

from various strata of the society and headed by a retired judge of

impeccable character and integrity.

The Lagos state judicial panel on restitution for victims of SARS

related abuses and other matters has since 27th October, 2020

commenced sitting by conducting hearings into petitions by victims of

SARS, Nigeria police and other security agencies abuses among other

matters. Fortunately, the work of the panel has been aided by the

provisions of free legal services for indigent petitioners by the

Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and it’s coverage by the media and other

interests which is highly commendable.

As an observer at the daily sittings of the panel, one must commend

the professionalism, neutrality, diligence, thoroughness and

enthusiasm for fairness and justice conduct of the panel in the

discharge of its mandate so far, that deserves huge commendation

A lot of petitions numbering over 300 have been brought before the

Lagos State judicial panel even with some cases dating back as far as

1979, 42 years ago of alledged abuse of citizens right by the security

agencies. However, one is very grateful for this golden opportunity

obliged most especially indigent victims of security agencies abuses

of which the narration by the direct victims themselves or family

members as well as the emotional trauma and pains suffered among other

inconveniences is better imagined.

A critical process of the Lagos state judicial panel work, is that

petitioners have a right to a counsel in case they can afford the

services of one or access the NBA offer of free legal services or tell

their stories themselves, but at the end of the day, counsel from the

security agency most especially the Nigeria police force who are the

major respondent in most of the cases, cross examine petitioners and

their witness to ascertain the truth of their testimony.

As we write, petitions hearing at the panel has been a mix bag of some

sort, with some petitions at the decision stage while some are still

being heard and some have been struck out due to the voluntary

withdrawal by the petitioner or due to the fact that the crux of the

petition has been decided by a court of competent jurisdiction or

still ongoing in court or due to lack of diligent prosecution by

petitioners who repeatedly failed to turn up or be represented at

least on three occasions.

But while we await the decision of the panel on those petitions for

which counsels have adopted written address, a sore point of the

allegations of abuse of citizens rights by the disbanded SARS, is the

recurring pattern of crude invasion, extortion, inhuman torture and

indiscriminate shooting to death allegedly perpetrated as narrated by

victims or family members which is heart wrenching and traumatizing

for watchers of the panel proceedings. Infact, victims or family

members apart from providing documentary evidence of torture or death,

also go as far as removing their clothes in the dock to reveal broken,

damaged or deformed limbs as a result of the torture or indiscriminate

shooting by the disbanded SARS operatives. The testimony of some

petitioners who were victims of the disbanded SARS torture, almost

moved one to tears to inquire that how can man exploit his position

and authority to dehumanize fellow human being? Infact, it was

unbelievable, but the facts as evidenced by supporting documents and

images were incontrovertible and admitted as exhibit.

While the panel is yet to commence full proceedings into the petitions

of alledged victims of the Lekki tollgate plaza incident of 20th

October, 2020 well over 4 months after inauguration due to the absence

of the Nigeria Army who have made just an appearance with the

testimony of Brigadier General Ibrahim Taiwo who corroborated his

evidence in chief of the Nigeria military role in the restoration of

law and order across Lagos state and with particular reference to the

Lekki Epe expressway corridor with images and video evidence, the

Nigeria Army have been summoned on at least three other occasions, but

have failed to turn up, though the alledged victims of that incident

have shown up at the panel with their counsels and it is expected that

the hearings into their petitions will commence at the next and final

adjourned date for the military to appear to defend itself and state

its own side of the story.

However, there was a mild drama at the Lagos State judicial panel on

6th of February, 2021 when the panel by majority judgement ordered the

owner of the Lekki tollgate plaza LCC to repossess the facility for

repairs and insurance claims after having been shut out of the company

facility since early October 2020 as a result of its occupation by

#EndSARS protesters and out of respect for the assignment of the panel

which summoned it to assist with relevant materials and testimony in

unraveling the truth of what happened on the said date.

The Lagos State judicial panel by a simple majority of 5 to 4 voted in

favor of Lekki Concession Company (LCC) to repossess the tollgate

plaza based on its earlier ruling that the decision to repossess the

tollgate plaza by LCC will be dependent on its receipt of the forensic

analysis of the tollgate plaza by experts contracted to undertake the

exercise.

That ruling by the panel exposed the independence and integrity of the

panel members to vote on issues according to their conscience and

conviction, though people are at liberty to advance their own reason

for the voting decision of members depending on which side of the

divide they belong, but for some of us, that is democracy at work in

which the tenets of while the majority will have their way, the

minority must also have their say, and so, one must give a big kudos

to the panel members for being united, committed and focused on their

mandate despite this division on a critical issue.

As the Lagos panel begins the countdown to the expiration of its

tenure in the next few months, one must reiterate his absolute

confidence and conviction in the competence and ability of the Lagos

State judicial panel on restitution for victims of SARS related abuses

and other matters to dispense justice to the petitions before it and

can only wish it, the best of luck in this national assignment of

healing the wounds of our collective abdication of responsibility.

Thanks.

Yours Sincerely,

Nelson Ekujumi

18th February, 2021

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

Published

5 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

The death of 35-year-old Jimoh AbdulQodir Tunji in the custody of the Kwara State Police Command has left his family and the local community in shock, with accusations of police brutality emerging after the man’s tragic passing.

Tunji, a poultry farmer, was allegedly arrested on Friday, December 20, following a petition filed by his employer over an unpaid debt of N220,000. His family has accused police officers of torturing him to death while in custody, a claim that has sparked widespread outrage.

A heartbreaking video surfaced online on Sunday, showing Tunji’s grieving mother and relatives accusing the police of causing his death. In the emotional footage, his mother tearfully cried out, “My son did not kill anyone. He only owed someone. They have killed my son. Please, come to my aid. The police at the headquarters have killed my son. His name was Kadri. He was a good boy in the community. They beat him to death in police custody. They didn’t allow us to see him. Blood was gushing out of his nose.”

In response to the allegations, the Kwara State Police Command released a statement confirming the incident. The police spokesperson, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, stated that Tunji had been invited by the police on charges of obtaining money by “false pretence” and confirmed that an investigation had already begun to determine the cause of death.

“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of one Mr. Jimoh AbdulQodir, which occurred on December 20, 2024,” the statement read. “The deceased was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000. Discreet investigations into this incident have commenced to ascertain the cause. Further developments on the outcome will be communicated as it progresses, as no stone will be left unturned.”

The case has drawn significant attention, as it marks the third time in under five months that the Kwara State Police have been implicated in the death of a suspect. Earlier this year, police officers were accused of causing the deaths of 27-year-old Suleiman Olayinka, an asthmatic patient, and Kwara State Polytechnic student Ishola Abdulqoyum, who was allegedly fatally shot by officers in September.

In a bid to ensure accountability, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, instructed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to take over the investigation into Tunji’s death. The IGP expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and reassured the public of a thorough and impartial investigation.

During a meeting with the family on Sunday, the IGP said, “The IGP has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation. He further reassured the family and the general public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.”

The case has reignited concerns about police brutality in Kwara, as the region grapples with rising incidents of alleged police violence. As the investigation unfolds, the family and the public are closely watching to see if justice will be served.

society

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

Published

5 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

At least seven people have died following the crash of a light aircraft in a remote, heavily forested area of Jalisco, western Mexico, local authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The aircraft, a Cessna 207, was en route from La Parota in the neighboring state of Michoacan when it went down. Jalisco Civil Protection reported the crash site was in an area difficult to access, complicating rescue and recovery operations.

In a statement on social media, Civil Protection confirmed that “preliminary reports” from the scene indicated that seven people had died. Their identities have not yet been released, and authorities are working to confirm further details.

The agency also mentioned that a fire at the crash site was extinguished, and risk mitigation efforts were carried out to prevent additional damage. “We are waiting for forensic investigators to arrive to remove the bodies and rule out the presence of other victims,” the statement added.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities working to gather more information on the incident.

society

Oriyomi Hamzat Speaks Out on Ibadan Funfair Stampede, Blames Parents for Chaos

Published

6 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Oriyomi Hamzat Speaks Out on Ibadan Funfair Stampede, Blames Parents for Chaos

Media personality Oriyomi Hamzat has broken his silence regarding the tragic stampede that occurred at a funfair event in Ibadan, shifting blame onto parents for the chaotic situation that led to casualties. In a detailed recount of the incident, Hamzat defended Prophetess Naomi, the event organizer, and highlighted the various challenges faced during the event’s preparation and execution.

In his statement, Hamzat shared that he had visited the venue the day before the event to inspect the arrangements. During this visit, he underscored the importance of proper security and crowd management. He emphasized the need for efficient ticketing and insisted on printing 5,500 tickets to manage the expected crowd, noting that the audience in Ibadan might behave differently compared to other locations where similar events had been held.

Despite these preparations, things began to spiral out of control early on the event day. By 4 a.m., parents had already started gathering at the venue, even though the program was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. By 5:45 a.m., Hamzat arrived to find blocked roads and scenes of desperation, with mothers throwing their children over the fence in an attempt to secure entry. Tragically, one child died after hitting his head on the ground when his mother threw him over the fence, assuming someone would catch him.

Hamzat criticized the parents’ reckless actions, questioning how Prophetess Naomi could be blamed for such behavior. He expressed disbelief that the responsibility for the tragedy was being placed on the shoulders of the event’s organizer, who had made significant efforts to ensure the event’s safety.

“A day before the funfair, I went to inspect the venue to ensure that all the necessary things were in place. Prophetess Naomi was there and she said the place was more spacious than the venue they originally intended to use,” Hamzat explained. “I asked about the security arrangement, and she assured me that security would be on site by 8 a.m. I told her and the team that Ibadan is different from other places and promised to provide 200 boys who would be handing out tickets to the children. Initially, there were no plans to use tickets.”

He continued, recounting his arrival at the venue early in the morning, where he found the situation already deteriorating. “I arrived at 5:45 a.m. and saw a massive crowd. Roads were blocked, and mothers were already throwing their kids over the fence. The event was scheduled to start at 10 a.m., and security wasn’t due until 8 a.m. I began begging everyone to go home, but they wouldn’t listen. By 7 a.m., the stampede had started.”

Hamzat also revealed that despite anticipating 5,000 children, Naomi had rented 7,000 chairs, as he had advised her to make provisions for mothers who would bring their kids. He further criticized the behavior of some parents, with one woman reportedly bringing 19 children to the venue.

“The stampede occurred because of the actions of the parents, not due to any lack of planning by Prophetess Naomi or her team,” Hamzat said. “How can it be Naomi’s fault when over 2,000 mothers threw their children over the fence as early as 4 a.m.?”

The tragedy has raised serious concerns over crowd management and safety at public events, and Hamzat’s statements have sparked a wider conversation about the role of event organizers and parents in ensuring the safety of attendees.