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#EndPoliceBrutality#EndSARSFeaturedNEWSPOLITICSUncategorized

See States That Have Inaugurated Panels Of Inquiry On #EndSARS

by Bioreports
written by Bioreports

One of the concessions agreed by the government during the protests against police brutality in various parts of Nigeria in October was the setting up of judicial panels of inquiry by state governments into cases of alleged violations of human rights by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other units of the police.

So far, 26 states have set up their judicial panels.

Here are the states that have set up their panels and the composition of the panels.

1 Katsina

On October 21, Governor Aminu Masari constituted a 11-member judicial commission to investigate the excesses of the disbanded SARS in the state.

The governor in a statement by his spokesperson, Abdu Labaran, said the commission has Justice Abbas Abdullahi Bawale of the Katsina High Court as chairperson and Ibrahim M. Daku as secretary.

The panel has two gender-based representatives from the civil society organisations, one representative for students, and one representative of the Human Rights Commission.

2 Kogi

The state governor, Yahaya Bello on October 17, inaugurated 10-member panel of enquiry. The committee was inaugurated by Abdulahi Zakari, the director-general, Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC).

The chairperson of the commission’s governing council, Muizideen Abdullahi, urged his team members to be diligent with their assignments.

Panel members include personnel from the Police, DSS, NSCDC, the National Human Rights Commission, Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Office of PDCRC.

3 Kwara

The Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on October 20 inaugurated a 10-member panel of inquiry to hear the grievances of the citizens.

Members of the panel are retired Justice Tunde Garba (chairperson); retired AIG Issa Ojibara; Ronke Adeyemi, Fatia Audu, Kaothar Adeyi, Jumoke Olaoye, Idris Gana, Nafisat Buge, and Hassan Yusuf Adio.

The secretary of the panel is Shuaib AbdulGaniyu, assistant director (General Services) in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

4 Ekiti

On October 22, Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, inaugurated 12 members of the state’s judicial panel of Inquiry.

The judicial panel chairperson is a retired judge; Cornelius Akintayo. Other members are Dipo Ayeni (Rtd Commissioner of Police); Yetunde Kolawole, state counsel (representing the Honourable Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice); Kikelomo Owolabi (chairperson, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikere Ekiti branch); Rotimi Ojomoyela (chairperson, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council); Jamiu Adigun and (representative, National Human Rights Commission).

Others are Adeyinka Opaleke (representative, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria); Akin Rotimi; Caroline Fakinlede (Ekiti State youths representative); Omowumi Deborah (youth representative); Asiwaju Oladimeji (youth representative) and Abiola Johnson-Ogunleye (Ekiti State students representative).

5 Osun

On October 22, Gboyega Oyetola, governor of Osun State inaugurated the judicial panel of inquiry in the state.

It has 12 members and is chaired by Akin Olademeji, a retired judge of the state high court, with the director of public prosecution of the state, Kemi Bello, as secretary.

Other members were drawn from civil society organisations, students groups and NBA.

6 Ogun

Governor Dapo Abiodun set up an eight-member judicial panel of investigation to try alleged cases of police brutality against citizens of the state on October 17.

Members are Justice Solomon Olugbemi (rtd), chairperson; Olayinka Folarin, chairperson, Ogun State Coalition of Civil Societies; Omonajevwe Janet Abiri, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA); Babatunde Ogunyanwo (rtd); AbdulJabar Ayelagbe, Chairperson, National Youth Council, Ogun State chapter.

Others are Bamgbose Tomiwa, NANS chairperson, Ogun State; Aisekegbe Momodu, National Human Rights Commission, Ogun State; Oluwatosin T. Ogundele, chief state counsel, Ministry of Justice, who serves as secretary.

7 Lagos

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on October 16 announced the setting up of a ‘Panel of Enquiry and Restitution’ consisting of seven members.

The panel is chaired by retired Justice Doris Okuwobi and other members are: Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN (representing the civil society); Rtd. DIG Taiwo Lakanu (a retired deputy inspector general of police); Patience Udoh (representing civil society).

Others are Segun Awosanya (human rights activist); Olutoyin Odusanya (director, Citizens Mediation Centre; as well as a rep/member of the youth-led protest and a representative of the Human Rights Commission.

8 Ondo

On October 20, Rotimi Akeredolu constituted a judicial panel of inquiry.

The state commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, said the panel is headed by Justice Salisu Adesola Sidiq (Rtd) while Banke Oloba and Ifeanyi Odili serve on the panel as representatives of civil society groups.

Others are Samuel Adetuyi (Rtd. Commissioner of Police), Oluyemi Fasipe (youth representative); Leo Ologun (representative of the office of the state Attorney-General); Sunday Oyewole (representative from the National Human Rights Commission), and Lanre Amuda serving as the panel’s secretary.

9 Edo

The Edo State government on October 19 set up a 12-member judicial panel of Inquiry into circumstances surrounding the #EndSARS protests in the state.

The chairperson is Justice Ada Ehigiamusoe and Joyce Ugbodaga is the secretary to the panel.

Other are Feb Idahosa, (Clergy); Francis Osayi, (ASUU); Comrade Osahon Obasuyi (NYC); Prest Aigbokhian (civil society); Uloaku Uzamere (NCWS); Pius Efofan (NANS); Pius Okpere (#EndSARS movement); Kola Edokpayi (#EndSARS movement); Felicia Monyei (Ministry of Justice) and a representative of security forces.

10 Delta

The Delta State government on October 17 constituted an eight-member judicial panel of inquiry.

The chairperson of the panel is Justice Celestina Ogisi (retd) and Omamuzo Erebe is secretary.

Other members of the panel are AIG David Igbodo (retd), Harrison Gwamnishu representing the youths, Godwin Oyovweadjebore representing students, Freedom Atsepoyi and Eris Jewo–Ibi representing the civil society groups, and Nicholas Osadolor representing the Human Rights Commission.

11 Bayelsa

Governor Douye Diri on October 22 also set up the a five-man panel.

He announced Retired Justice Y.B. Ogola as chairperson and Allowed Opokuma as secretary.

Others are A.T. Ambaowei, Fortune Alfred Godson and Perelade Demanche, both representing civil society, and Russell Newman representing the National Human Rights Commission.

12 Anambra

Governor Willie Obiano on October 16 set up a panel consisting of 11 members.

The panel, according to the governor, would also look into the allegations of extrajudicial killings levelled against a former leader of SARS in the state, Chief Superintendent of Police James Nwafor (retired).

The panel is headed by retired Justice V. N, Umeh.

13 Bauchi

Governor Bala Mohammed on October 29 inaugurated a 17-member judicial panel of inquiry to probe cases of human rights abuses by police in the state.

The members are Justice Habibu Idris Shall (Rtd. High Court Judge) as chairperson; CP. Hamisu Makama (Rtd); chairperson, Nigerian Bar Association, Bauchi State chapter, Barr. Jibrin S. Jibrin; civil society groups, Bauchi State; and a representative of Human Right Commission Bauchi State Office (NHRC) as a member.

Others are a representative of NUJ and many other associations. A representative of the Attorney-General/Commissioner of Justice is serving as secretary.

14 Gombe

Governot Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on October 31 inaugurated an 11-member commission of inquiry and appointed Justice Sa’ad Mohammed (retired) is the chairperson.

Abdulsalam Kumo, acting Director of Public Prosecutions, was made the secretary of the commission while Caleb Ubale, the special adviser to the governor on Legal Matters is to serve as counsel to the commission.

Other members were selected from the Human Rights Commission of Nigeria, Youth Council of Nigeria, the legal field, civil society organisations and students’ union.

15 Plateau

The state governor, Simon Lalong, set up the panel consisting of eight members on October 18.

The panel is chaired by a retired Judge of the Plateau State High Court, Justice Philomena Lot.

Other members of the panel named publicly are retired Commissioner of Police, Garba Patrick; Ezekiel Daschen (youth representative); Rauta Dakok (representative of Attorney General’s Office); and Kiyempia Mafuyai (representative of Human Rights Commission).

16 Adamawa

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri on October 20 named 11 members of the panel drawn from the judiciary, civil society organisations, security, youth, religious and students groups.

Justice Adamu Hobon (Rtd) was named chairperson.

Other members of the panel include AIG Ibrahim Baba Ahmed (Rtd), Samuel Yaumande (Solicitor General), representative of Ministry of Justice, Japheth Tonmwaso, a representative of CAN; Wakili Usman Ibrahim, representative of Muslim Council of Nigeria (MCN).

17 Taraba

Governor Darius Ishaku on October 23 inaugurated a 10-member judicial panel of inquiry and restitution for victims of police brutality and other security agencies.

The panel has Justice Christopher Awubra as chairperson.

Mr Awubra also said the panel is ready to deliver on their mandate.

18 Nasarawa

On October 20, the Nasarawa State government set up a judicial panel of inquiry to probe the activities of the disbanded SARS.

The chairperson of the panel, Justice Badamasi Maina (rtd) urged the protesters to approach the commission with their complaints and assured them that the panel will obtain justice for them.

The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Abdulakarim Kana, appreciated members of the panel for accepting to serve.

19 Enugu

On October 17, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, announced the setting up of a judicial panel of inquiry consisting of eight members to investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra-judicial killings.

It has retired Justice Kingsley Ude as chairperson and Joy Ezeolo as secretary.

Two representatives of civil society groups and one retired police officer of high repute are including as members along with a youth representative, student representative, a representative of the state Attorney General and another from the Human Rights Commission.

20 Ebonyi

The governor of the state, David Umahi, on October 22 inaugurated an 8-member judicial panel committee.

The panel is chaired by retired chief judge of the state, Justice Alloy Nwankwo.

Other members of the panel include Emmanuel Onwe (Esq) as secretary, AIG Kelvin Opoke (Rtd), Igwe Uche, Olisa Nwuruku, Emmanuel Obasi, Barr Louisa Nwebonyi, and Christopher Okorie.

21 Benue

Governor, Samuel Ortom, on October 21 inaugurated a nine-member judicial panel of Inquiry for the state.

The panel is headed by a retired Chief Judge of the State, Justice Adam Onum.

Other members of the panel include Josephine Haba; Moses Asoo; Anthony Ogboji; retired Commissioner of Police; John Mark; Joshua Tiv; Joshua Tyoyer; and Edward Yange, who also doubles as secretary.

22 Cross River

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River on October 22 inaugurated a seven-member judicial panel of enquiry and restitution to investigate police brutality on residents of the state.

The chairman of the panel of enquiry is retired Justice Michael Edem.

Mr Edem, said that members of the panel won’t be sentimental or emotional in the course of discharging their duties.

23 Abia

On October 23, the Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu approved the inauguration of 10-member judicial panel of inquiry in the state.

The members of the panel are as follows: Retired Justice S N Imo (chairperson), Nwakanma John, Daniel Chinagozi, Ariwa Zuby, Eric Ikwuagwu.

Others are Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice (Secretary); Sunday Onuoha; John Emejor; Nnanna Nwafor; and Doris Ogala.

24 Imo

On October 19, Governor Hope Uzodimma inaugurated a 17-member judicial panel of inquiry.

He said the panel consists of members of all interest groups such as the Youth Council, CAN, NLC, NCWS, and others.

The panel is chaired by Hon. Justice Florence Duruoha-Igwe (Rtd) and Isaac Oguzie as the secretary.

25 Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State government on October 20 set up a 8-member judicial panel for the state.

The panel has Justice Ifiok Ukana (Retd) as chairperson and Mfon Edemekong of Ministry of Justice as secretary of the panel.

26 Rivers

On October 20, Nyesom Wike, set up a 9-member judicial commission of inquiry to investigate alleged brutality and human rights abuses by police in the state.

The members are Retired Justice C.I.Uriri (chairperson) and George Nwaeke (secretary).

Others are Florence Amiesimaka, Tonye Ibisiki, Karl Chinedu Uchegbu, Chijioke Ihunwo, Bella Ebeku, and Somiete Inko-Tariah.

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striker:-more-democracy-is-solution-to-democracy-problems
#EndPoliceBrutality#EndSARSDemocracyFeaturedOp-EdPOLITICSStrikerUncategorized

STRIKER: More Democracy Is Solution To Democracy Problems

by Bioreports
written by Bioreports

In the light of the increasingly ugly turn of the #EndSARS protest and its management, it is not too much to emphasise to ourselves, especially to Nigeria’s ruling elites that deepening democratic culture and practice is the solution to any and all governance and development problems occasioned by democracy. The alternative is anarchy.

Democracy has limitless capacity in terms of processes for civic engagement even in war situation as to guarantee the fulfilment by government of its basic functions: security of lives and property of the citizens. A protracted protest for good governance is among the least challenges for a committed democratic government and people to handle.

Understandably, the present sad realities are products of history. In pre-independent times, the mode of government common across Nigeria and most of Africa is Monarchy. The monarchs were next in rank only to the Almighty God and had powers of life and death and engaged citizens according to their whims and caprices, with mechanism for checks and balances almost nonexistent. This went on for hundreds of years before the colonial masters came.

The colonial masters, of course, came with forceful domination of the citizens (natives) for the achievement of their colonial interests – political, economic and social; and that lasted for another hundred years before Independence. The narrative, therefore, for hundreds of years, is that whosoever is in power is Almighty and has his way against the will of the people.

Independence then came through hard struggles. Democracy was then adopted as the mode of government along with a federation and republic structure to deliver its dividends. The failure by our elites from the onset to understand this transition and new concept, and their continuation in carrying on with the attitudinal hangovers of monarchy and colonialism in governance, quickly led to the collapse of the republic and democratic governance. Long years of military rules, replica of monarchy, only more brutal through the force of gun, followed with attempts to return to democratic rule twice aborted until finally a stable return to democracy was achieved in 1999.

For the last 20 years, civil society, rights and democracy organisations, the ruling elite and the professions, society leaders in cultural and community organisations had the golden opportunity to first of all retrain their minds and become compliant with democracy and rule of law, republicanism and federalism, and then spread the compliance down the citizenry through enlightenment and great examples, in and out of government. Rather than achieve that, majority of persons mentioned in the classes above only reinforced their authoritarian dispositions within all organisations and within occupied offices. Not only has the country consequently stagnated in development, the gap between the rich and the poor has continued to widen, deep-seated anger and animosities across all Nigeria’s fault lines (religious, ethnic, class) developed until an unacceptable level of poverty, ignorance and insecurity came in place.

The occasion of Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary amidst Covid-19 management presented opportunity to revaluate the past and recommit ourselves, from leadership down to citizenry, to democratic values and a genuine federal republic, and at least begin a restructuring process accordingly. We missed it yet again. Few weeks later, here we are!

While hoping for a peaceful resolution of the challenges posed by the #EndSARS Crises management in the immediate, nothing can change fundamentally until we restructure all our institutions, polity, minds, attitude and practises to reflect and abide by the letters and spirit of a Federal Republic and Democracy, thereby throwing away the vestiges of our monarchical and military mentalities and orientations forever. For development, peace, harmony and prosperity, there is simply no other lasting solution.

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fg-receives-list-of-indicted-sars-operatives
#EndPoliceBrutality#EndSARSF-SARSFeaturedheroNEWSPOLITICSUncategorized

FG Receives List Of Indicted SARS Operatives

by Bioreports
written by Bioreports

The National Human Rights Commission on Monday submitted a list of 35 operatives of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), for prosecution.

Submitting the list at the AGF office in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu, said the list was an extract of the full report of the Special Presidential Panel on SARS earlier submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari, on June 3, 2019.

Briefing newsmen, Ojukwu said the affected SARS operatives were indicted in offenses bordering on extrajudicial killings, unlawful arrest and detention, threat and intimidation, unfounded allegations, seizure of properties, and illegal freezing of accounts of innocent citizens.

He noted that the report of the panel contained the findings on the complaints gathered from Nigerians during the sitting of the panel in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

He added that the list of the indicted operatives was accompanied with the full report of the panel to guide the prosecution of the indicted operatives.

Responding, Malami said his office would do justice to the list “through prosecution and taking associated incidental administrative steps”.

The minister, who said the Buhari regime had embarked on policies and legislation such as the Police Act 2020 to ensure deep reforms of the police in the country, also said the panel’s report would not be implemented to protect the interest of the victims without considering the interests of the general society.

He said the report would be implemented in line with the “multi-way-traffic nature of the justice system”.

The submission came amid protests by the youth in different parts of the country calling for the scrapping of SARS, an end to police brutality, and reform of the police force.

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dissolution-of-sars:-dare-to-struggle,-dare-to-win
#EndPoliceBrutality#EndSARS#EndSWATFeaturedNigeria Police ForceOp-EdPolice ReformsPOLITICSUncategorizedYaya Ademola

Dissolution Of SARS: Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win

by Bioreports
written by Bioreports

By Yaya Ademola

The decision by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, on 11th October, 2020 to disband Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was a good step in the right direction. SARS was created in 1992 by the former Lagos State Police Commissioner, Simeon Danladi Midenda.

Although, there had been in existence about three anti-robbery squads at that time, Midenda SARS was unique. It was operating covertly – not allowed to wear Police uniform or publicly carry gun or walkie-talkies. Its men used unmarked vehicles with no licence plates or private numbers for operations.

But there was a major reason why the Midenda SARS was created. A soldier was killed by policemen at a checkpoint in Lagos. The reported news of the killing infuriated the Nigerian Army, with combatants dispatched into the streets of Lagos, searching for any policeman. Just any! Who born monkey? Nigeria Police withdrew from checkpoints and refused to report for duties. In fact, some policemen resigned, while others deserted.

For two weeks without police on duty, criminals had their free day. To checkmate them, Midenda created SARS of 15 officers, operating in shadow without the knowledge of the Nigerian Army. After a while, however, the Nigeria Police had a truce with the Army and normalcy returned.

Hence, SARS Unit within the Nigeria Police was officially commissioned. Ever since, it had done tremendous job in preventing and fighting crimes, especially armed robbery and kidnapping. Although, it was originally meant for Lagos, its delivery in nailing criminals made it admirable and it eventually expanded and replicated in all the states. Over time, however, degeneracy ensued.

Right from 2017, there had been agitations by spirited Nigerians for a restructure or outright disbandment of SARS. In its 2016 reports, Amnesty International accused SARS officers of indiscriminate and regular detention of young adults unlawfully and extortion of money from their families. The reports revealed how their victims were tortured and forced to confess to crimes they did not commit.

Instead of fighting crimes, SARS officers were notorious for hitting innocent people, especially young adults, with the gun-butt during arrest; dehumanising and treating people like common criminals; threatening to kill and that no one would find out. They did burst into tertiary institutions to harass and arrest students with their laptops and phones. It had gotten to the level that every young adult did not feel at ease with any policeman. SARS had been linked to acts of human rights abuses, killings of innocents, torture, framing and blackmail.

They operated as if they were licensed to kill without consequence. They lacked rules of engagement. If you had had an encounter with them, you would appreciate how dreadful they were.

Just last month, 15th September, 2020, Joint Task Force (JTF) operatives in Osogbo, chased alleged internet fraudsters also known as “Yahoo-Yahoo boys” till their car, Toyota Corolla Sport Car marked KUJ 533LY , skidded off Oba Adesoji Aderemi East Bypass and hit the electricity pole. One of the four occupants died instantly, while the remaining three sustained various degrees of injuries.

The young men were coming out of Osun Mall, located at Fakunle area, where they had gone to buy food. This provoked a 2-day protest by the youth against police atrocities in the state capital, with the promise by the authorities that perpetrating officers would be fished out to face the full wrath of the law.

On that very day, 15th September, after a very hectic work, I sat down at a beer parlour, about three minutes drive to my house, to cool down a bit before heading home. Right in front of me, the SARS officers descended from a commercial minibus, popularly called Korope, and demanded from the owner of the shop, “where is the boy that parked this car”? They were referring to my car. The woman replied them, “boy or what did you say?” She eventually pointed at me and said, “That man is the owner.” They looked at me unhappily and left.

If I had been a young adult, I would have been harassed, arrested and extorted. Any youth with dreadlocks, cars, and/or expensive phones was in trouble. That had been their style.

SARS harassment and provocation got to its peak in the last two weeks, in turn provoking sustained streets protests by the youth, tagged #EndSARS across major cities around the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Because of the relentless tempo of the protests, SARS had to be stopped. Hence, the IGP ordered the disbandment of security outfit on 11th October, 2020, with immediate effect. But there is a need for a new crime-fighting outfit within the police.

Pertinent questions being asked by well-meaning Nigerians, however, are: will the officers and men/women that will work with the new outfit, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team come from the moon? Will they not be assembled from same rotten institution? What will be their new conditions of service and what manners of training and rules of engagement will they be given? In the past, police used to collect bribe clandestinely but now, it is done openly.

The disbandment is good but it was just a scratch. There was need for total overhauling of the Nigerian system. Something is wrong everywhere one goes. Everybody is scheming everywhere to undermine the system for personal aggrandisement. It is corruption from the market men and women, civil servants, artisans, religious centres, governments and Non-Governmental Organisations, students and labour movements, while even the judiciary which used to be touted as the last hope of the common man is not spared!

The lesson to learn from SARS disbandment is that struggle pays if we focus on our mission and vision. The next challenge is staying focused and following the immediate gains through to logical conclusions, which calls for more tact and organisation than holding off the streets. Failing to do so and merely continuing to hang on the streets will only lead to undesirable consequences.

Our strength lies in our collective will to struggle together. It is our inability to stand together and speak with one voice that has made us to be where we are today – motion without movement. Our capacity to stand up as a people and say NO; irrespective of tribes, religions, social statuses, etc surpasses military and artillery powers. It is this kind of united will that is required to put in place a

Government that will heed the yearnings and aspiration of the majority of the people for a better and decent working and living condition with subsequent re-orientation of our value system. Congratulations to the Nigerian youth for their titanic struggle to end SARS. If we fight we may win, if we don’t, we have lost.

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