Lagos Panel Of Enquiry Visits Lekki Toll Gate As divergent Views Trail Body

metro

5 years ago

The Lagos State judicial panel of inquiry into brutality and high handedness by the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) today visited the Lekki Toll Gate, the scene of the incident in its efforts to ascertain in causes as well as victims of the SARS brutality and recommend punishments and compensation.

This is even aa different views have continued to trai its constitutionality and terms of reference by the Lagos State Government.

For instance, while former external affairs Minister, professor Bolaji Akinyemi was of the opinion that the alleged Toll Gate killings be given main focus and priority now, some lawyers fault the establishment of the panel without what they regard as gazetted instruments, saying such tribunals should not be established merely by press conference as done recently by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Besides, they say the terms of reference and instruments be published on the national dailies to avoid likely constitional crisis at the end of the exercise.

Akinyemi, speaking on Arise Television said with international focus now on Nigeria and particularly on the Lekki Toll Gate killings, he would suggest that the Lekki incident be given priority as well as expeditious hearing to avoid likely delay that could engender crisis again.
However, the panel was at the scene for inspection and to make more findings concerning the shooting which occurred on October 20, 2020.

Led by the Chairman, Retired Justice Doris Okuwobi, the panel is interrogating Lekki Tollgate officials about the condition of their cameras and other equipment.

The Managing Director of Lekki Concession Company (LCC), Mr Yomi Omomuwansa while taking the panel round the facilities said most of their equipment were damaged as they were set ablaze by hoodlums following the shooting of EndSARS protesters at the toll gate.
Also with the panel during the inspection was Rinu Odulala and Temitope Majekodunmi, the youth representatives on the judicial panel.
Human Rights Activist, Segun Awosanya popularly known as Segalink is also with the panel on inspection of Lekki Tollgate.
The panel at the resumption of its sitting on Friday sworn-in in the representative of LCC. After consultations with the panel, the LCC rep confirms they have footage of Lekki Shooting.

– First Sitting –
The judicial panel had its first sitting on Tuesday, 27 October.

The panel began with Rinu Odulala and Temitope Majekodunmi sworn-in as representatives of youths.
Also, sworn-in as a member of the panel is Lucas Koyejo representing the Nigeria Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The only petitioner taken on Tuesday, Okoli Aguwu explained that he spent 47 days in SARS detention, accused of theft by his boss.
Agwu demands compensation from the Nigeria Police and wants his stolen properties returned.