Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has constituted a Panel of Enquiry and Restitution for Victims of SARS.
This 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).
In an address on Thursday, Sanwo-Olu said it’s time of sober reflection in Lagos and the country.
“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.
The 7-man panel 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.
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).
Others are Olutoyin Odusanya (Director, Citizens Mediation Center), a rep/member of the youth-led protest and a representative of the Human Rights Commission.
There will be a help desk for the complaints and petitions to the panel.
From next week, Lagosians will be able to reach the panel directly on 0901 051 3203; 3204 and 3205.
The governor said there were express instructions to the Police to cooperate with protesters and in situations where arrests are unavoidable, there must be full transparency and upholding of their legal rights.
He confirmed that by order of the IGP, all SARS personnel 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. 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 said.
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