The Panel of Enquiry instituted to investigate alleged brutality of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, has commenced hearing in Osun State.
The panel consists of 13 members chaired by Retired High Court Judge, Akin Oladimeji; Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun, Civil Society Organization; Chairman National Youth Council of Nigeria, Osun, Comrade Ismail Abdul Azeez; Prof. Grace Akinola, from the Academia; Biodun Layoun (SAN).
Others are Osun Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission, Abayoni Ogundele Esq, Retired DIG of Police, Jide Akano, Social Activist, Jumoke Ogunkeyede.
Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State on October 22, inaugurated the panel on the mandate to investigate allegations of Police brutality SARS operatives.
In his opening address, Justice Akinwale called on aggrieved members of the society to come forward with their complaints and evidence of police wrong-doing.
“Every petitioner who has suffered injury or loss, wants damages or compensation to be paid to him, this panel is empowered to make recommendations on award of such damages or compensation but we can not do so unless you come and demonstrate to us how and where you sustained injury or loss.
“It is the fact and evidence that you place before us that we must use to assess then injury victims have suffered in the hands of SARS in each of the cases, and the damages claimed by the Petitioners or any other parties as the case may be.
“These are the things that will assist us in our duties so that we will not, therefore, appear to be awarding arbitrarily low or high damages or compensation in the eye of the reasonable man,” he added.
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