Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has directed the immediate establishment of the State Judicial Panel of Inquiry into Allegations of Human Rights Violations against Police Officers including officers of the Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS) and other Persons.
The Governor named Rtd. Justice Cornelius Akintayo and retired Police Commissioner, Mr. Dipo Ayeni, as members of the 10 members panel.
A statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode listed other members of the panel to include: Mrs. Yetunde Kolawole, State Counsel- Representing the Honourable Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice,
Mrs. Kikelomo Owolabi, Chairperson, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikere-Ekiti Branch and Mr. Rotimi Ojomoyela, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Branch.
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Others include: Mr. Jamiu Abiodun Adigun, Representative, National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Adeyinka Opaleke, Representative, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria , Ms. Caroline Fakinlede, Ekiti State Youths Representative, Mr. Abiola Johnson-Ogunleye- Ekiti State Students Representative and Mr. Akin Rotimi, Researcher, Police Reforms
According to Governor Fayemi, the terms of reference of the Judicial Panel include; to receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra-judicial killings; receive and Investigate complaints of violence against individuals and destruction of properties in every part of Ekiti State in the course of the protest.
“It will also evaluate the evidence presented and other surrounding circumstances, and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints; and Recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate”.
Fayemi said the duration of the assignment of the panel will be six months, with the Chairman expected to provide monthly briefings to the Honourable Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice to further enhance the speedy consideration of all complaints.
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” In order to enable the panel to respond appropriately to the urgent needs of victims of rights violations, the Governor has established a Victims Compensation Fund to enable the speedy payment of monetary compensation to deserving victims.
The communique also revealed that the governor has further directed the Ministry of Justice to immediately ensure that its Department of Citizens Rights in addition to receiving walk-in complaints by victims of Human Rights violation is able to receive and to process and resolve complaints by telephone or social media channels.
