The National Economic Council (NEC) has directed the
establishment of judicial panels of inquiry across the country to investigate
complaints of police brutality or extra judicial killings.
According to Laolu Akande, spokesman of Vice-President Yemi
Osinbajo, the directive was given at a meeting attended by governors and
chaired by the nation’s number two citizen.
Akande said the move is to deliver justice for all victims
of the dissolved special anti-robbery squad (SARS) and other police units.
He said judicial panels, which would be set up in all the
states, would include representatives of youths, students, civil society
organisations and would be chaired by a retired judge.
“The Council specifically resolved that State Governors and
the FCT Minister should take charge of interface and contact with the
protesters in their respective domains,” the statement read.
“The Council also directed that State Governors should
immediately establish a State-based Special Security and Human Rights Committee
to be chaired by the Governors in their States, to supervise the newly formed
police tactical units and all other security agencies located in the State.
“The idea of the Special Security and Human Rights Committee
in all States of the Federation and the FCT is to ensure that police formations
and other security agencies in the State consistently protect the Human Rights
of citizens.
“Members of the Special Committee would also include
Representatives of Youths, and Civil Society. The head of Police tactical units
in each of the State would also be a member of the Committee.”
He said panel’s assignment should be concluded within a
maximum of six (6) months, unless it “shows convincing reasons why a state
governor should allow an extension”.
Akande said NEC also directed all governors to immediately
establish a victims fund to enable the payment of monetary compensation to
deserving victims.
On Wednesday, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos,
announced that his administration had set up a N200 million compensation fund
for families of victims of police brutality.
Young persons are currently out on the streets across the
country, protesting against police brutality.
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