Followed his meetings with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Lagos state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has set up a Panel of Enquiry and Restitution for Victims of SARS.
He said that the panel would be responsible for ensuring that those with verifiable cases of SARS brutality receive compensation.
The Panel will be chaired by retired Justice Doris Okuwobi.
Members are Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN (representing the Civil Society), Taiwo Lakanu (a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police), Patience Udoh (representing the Civil Society); Segun Awosanya aka Segalink (Human Rights Activist), Olutoyin Odusanya (Director, Citizens Mediation Center), a rep/member of the youth-led protest and a representative of the Human Rights Commission.
The governor spoke on Thursday saying that it is a time of sober reflection in Lagos and Nigeria at large. “It has taken a powerful youth-led action to drive reform and hopefully begin the process that truly delivers a citizen-friendly police,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu added that there will be a helpdesk where complaints can be forwarded and the panel will be directly available on 0901 051 3203; 3204 and 3205, from next week.
He reiterated that the Police had instructions to cooperate with the protesters and be transparent in cases where they had to arrest.
Further, he confirmed that all SARS personnel have been recalled to the Force headquarters where they will undergo a psychological examination and a full review of their records on the order of the Inspector General of Police.
“If you find any SARS members or units still in operation in Lagos, please bring them to my notice. To avoid a rise in crime or kidnapping, a new unit will begin training next week that will not have any SARS member,” Sanwo-Olu assured.
