Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Nigeria’s ofSouthwestern Lagos state has revealed the identity of “erring officers” who brutalized #EndSARS protesters in the state.
“I am very sorry about this experience. All the erring officers involved have been arrested; Inspector Bagou Michael; Inspector Ekpoudom Etop; Sgt Nnamdi Majura and Sgt. Akinyemi Benson and they are facing an orderly room trial immediately.” the governor stated in a series of tweets Thursday.
Demonstrations by thousands of Nigerian youths across the country are still ongoing over police brutality, assaults and killing of citizens. Despite the ban of the controversial unit Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) by the Nigerian authorities the protests persist.
Sanwo-Olu said it has taken a powerful youth led action to drive reform and hopefully begin the process that truly delivers a citizen friendly police.
According to the governor the state government has set up a panel onto enquiry and restitution to ensure citizens with verifiable cases of police brutality and fatality are duly compensated.
“We have also set up a panel to look into all cases of police brutality and fatality and have set up a N200m compensation fund. I will make all announcements shortly. Once again, I apologise to any protester that has faced brutality during any of the protests days.
“Panel of Enquiry and Restitution 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,” Sanwo-Olu said.
By Abel Ejikeme