The retired Justice Doris Okuwobi-led Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution set up by the Lagos State Government has called on civil society organisations to assist it with evidence that will help in investigating the shooting of peaceful protesters by soldiers at the Lekki tollgate last Tuesday.
The Chairman of the panel, Justice Okuwobi, made the call on Monday while addressing journalists at the Lagos Court of Arbitration, where the panel will be sitting.
The original mandate of the panel was to look into complaints of human rights violation against the men of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu later added the investigation of the Lekki tollgate shooting by soldiers to it.
Justice Okuwobi said, “We are looking forward to memoranda from those affected by the unfortunate incident of the shooting at the Lekki tollgate plaza by the military.
“We are relying on the civil society to assist the panel with credible evidence of the killings at the Lekki tollgate plaza. This is to ensure that there will be good evidence to assist the panel make appropriate recommendations in respect of all terms of reference of the panel.”
Justice Okuwobi also disclosed that the panel had so far received 15 petitions against SARS officers, just as she assured complainants of prompt compensation on merit.
In her words, “If their cases are disposed of in a month or two, compensation, if recommended, should go to the victims immediately to assuage their pain.
“The panel has received not less than 15 petitions relating to the disbanded SARS.
“We are indeed ready to commence the public sitting. The petitions are here without the petitioners around; the panel will start full proceedings on Tuesday (today).”
