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

Published

5 years ago

February 18, 2021

Sahara Weekly

MOUN Lagos State Council rejoice with His Excellency Mr.Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu

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

NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE

Published

11 hours ago

January 31, 2026

Sahara Weekly

NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.

This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.

The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.

According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.

Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.

According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.

She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.

While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.

She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

society

Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress

Published

11 hours ago

January 31, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.

He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.

According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.

Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.

He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.

Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.

society

TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK

Published

23 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK

In a profound expression of sorrow, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, following the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram. This devastating assault, which occurred at a work site in northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation.

In a statement released to the press and signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.” His Excellency emphasized the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.

The Grand Patron praised the swift and decisive response of military personnel during this critical time, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation. He called upon them to maintain this momentum, commending their courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity. “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honor their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.

In his statement, Gen. Buratai highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity, urging concerned citizens to increase their efforts in fostering a virile community that future generations can cherish. “Together, we can surmount these troubles,” he asserted, calling on all patriotic leaders and citizens to unite in the fight against violence and insecurity.

The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and prosperity. As the foundation extends its condolences to the bereaved, it also calls upon all segments of society to collaborate in creating a better and safer future. May Allah guide and protect the nation and lead it toward enduring peace. Amen.