… Arrests 4 Police Officers Over Brutalising Surulere EndSARS Protesters
The Lagos State Police Commissioner has arrested the four officers involved in brutalising protesters at the surulere protest venue.
Disclosing this today in a communique, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said that an orderly room trial for Inspector Bagou Michael; Inspector Ekpoudom Etop; Sgt Nnamdi Majura & Sgt. Akinyemi Benson, respectively, have begun.
“They are facing orderly room trials immediately and be rest assured that we will follow up on these trials,” he said.
‘Panel of Enquiry’
Meanwhile, in his communique, Sanwo-Olu also addressed the updates made by the state and Federal government on the demands by the EndSARS protesters. He said that a Panel of Enquiry and Restitution has been set up for Victims of SARS In Lagos.
“We have setup a 7-man panel that will ensure that all those with verifiable cases of SARS brutality or fatality receive compensation.
“The Panel will be chaired by retired Justice Doris Okuwobi. Other members are: Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN (representing the Civil Society); Rtd. DIG 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, Citizens Mediation Center); as well as a rep/member of the youth-led protest and a representative of the Human Rights Commission.”
He also stated that all complaints and petitions to the panel can be sent to a help desk, which can be reached directly on 0901 051 3203; 3204 and 3205, from next week.
He also stated that Lagosians should report any case of detention of protesters to him, as he has instructed the city’s Police to cooperate with protesters, arresting only in unavoidable situations which must also reflect full transparency and upholding of their legal rights.
He also said that the thuggery incident at Alausa where hoodlums arrived the scene to assault EndSARS protesters is being investigated and “we will bring to book those behind it.”
‘New Unit’
Sanwo-Olu explained that a new special anti-kidnapping and crime unit of the police devoid of erstwhile SARS officials would begin training next week.
“By order of the IGP, all members have been recalled to force headquarters. They will receive psychological examinations and a full review of their records. If you find any SARS members or units still in operation in Lagos, please bring them to my notice.”
He explained further that the new unit will be fully intelligence-driven and will not be engaged in routine searches or violate any citizen’s rights to personal freedom.
He also said that the police will announce criteria for the makeup of the unit or public recruitments involving the youth.
‘Disbanded SARS, Victims’
The Governor revealed that the IGP is setting up a panel to review all cases of police brutality.
He said that the panel which will start work in the next couple of weeks will work with citizens and civil right groups to be as transparent as possible in prosecution.
He also said that victims of police brutality would be compensated from a N200 million Naira trust fund to be managed by a panel set up to compensate victims of police brutality.
Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu announced that current police salaries are being “addressed at the national level and it is a very important conversation. At the state level, we will continue to provide incentives, a better work environment and tools to assist the police.”
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