Governors to set up judicial panels to probe police brutality

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.