#EndSARS Protesters in Abuja defy security agents to continue demonstration. Photo: Channels TV.
As EndSARS protest against police brutality and extra-judicial killings in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) nears two weeks on Monday, some hoodlums have burnt down about 50 cars at Apo Mechanic village in Abuja.
Thugs, alleged to be sponsored for the distruption of ongoing agitation for a comprehensive police reform stormed the area and set ablaze cars displayed for sale at a dealer stand.
According to reports, the hoodlums had attempted to attack peaceful protesters at Apo during their rally on Monday morning. However, the protesters overpowered and repelled them
It was gathered that after the initial failed attempt to attack the demonstrators, the hoodlums reinforced but on getting to the scene, the protesters had dispersed.
Reports have it that the hoodlums who were angered when they didn’t meet the protesters, decided to vent their frustration by setting ablaze about 50 cars at a dealership stand located at Jesus Avenue, along Apo Mechanic Village.
A report by Vanguard stated that those around the scene of the incident said the thugs vandalised other valuables in the area and also harassed people in the area.
On Monday night, amateur videos that captured several cars on fire trended across social media platforms.
Vangaurd reported that an eyewitness, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, said: “The hoodlums began the attack around 3:30pm. My colleague and I were driving home when we saw people running helter-skelter near the mechanic village.
“We had to park our car on the premises of Apo Shoprite for safety reasons and run for our lives.
“We also saw those who set the cars ablaze brandishing machetes and small knives to intimidate and scare the people away.”
The eyewitness added that some policemen were in the area while the mayhem lasted. But, they were too few to stop the hoodlums.
The ongoing #EndSARS movement has assumed a violent dimension in Edo State as people posing as protesters attacked facilities of Nigeria Police Force.
The protesters were accused of security facilities at Ugbekun Police Station, Oba Market Police Station and Idogbo Police Post in Benin, Edo State capital.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, Nigeria Police Force explained that the extent of damage could not be ascertained at the moment.
It, however, said report indicated that “the protesters carted away arms and ammunition from the armoury and freed the suspects in custody before setting some of the facilities ablaze.”
The bloody situation has led to an imposition of a 24-hour in the state by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.
By this government’s directive, schools and businesses are to shut down activities accordingly. Those who couldn’t move safely were asked to stay put till 4pm when calmness was eventually restored.
“Edo State Government hereby imposes a 24-hour curfew across the state till further notice.
“The curfew is to take effect from 4pm, October 19, 2020.
“This decision has become necessary because of the very disturbing incidents of vandalism and attacks on private individuals and institutions by hoodlums in the guise of #EndSARS protesters.
“While the government of Edo State respects the rights of its citizens to undertake legitimate protests, it cannot sit idly when hoodlums have taken laws into their hands to cause mayhem on innocent citizens and the state.
“By the directive, schools and businesses are to shut down activities accordingly. Those who cannot move safely are to stay put between now and 4pm till calmness is restored.
“Parents are advised to rein in their children, youths and wards, to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
“The responsibility of government is to protect lives and property and maintain law and order, therefore, anyone found outside in violation of the curfew would be dealt with according to the law,” Obaseki said, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie.
Also reacting to the ugly development in Edo State, Nigeria Police Force said it has swung into action, “doing everything possible at the moment to bring the situation under control, protect lives of innocent citizens and prevent further attacks on any other critical infrastructure in the state.”
The police called on parents/guardians to prevail on their children/wards to desist from acts of violence under any guise whatsoever.
File Photo of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has directed all pupils/students in public and private schools to stay at home following the tension generated by the #EndSARS protests across the state.
The Sanwo-Olu administration issued the directive through Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Folasade Adefisayo, describing the safety of the pupils/students, parents, and all staff working in schools as paramount “at this critical period.”
The commissioner advised parents to keep an eye on their children and not allow them to be used as willing tools in the hands of those who might want to hijack the protests to unleash mayhem on the society.
The Sanwo-Olu administration also encouraged schools to utilise other means of distance teaching and learning such as radio, television, and online media as they did during and post-COVID-19 lockdown.
Adefisayo added that a new date of resumption for all classes would be announced as soon as possible.
Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu addresses members of the newly inaugurated Judicial Panel of Investigation into cases of human rights violations by officers of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Lagos command.
In his usual heart-led leadership qualities, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Monday again appealed to the youths demonstrating against police brutality in the state to leave the roads and embrace the dialogue for the resolution of their agitations.
Sanwo-Olu said his administration has shown sincerity and willingness to address all concerns raised by the protesters, given the actions taken so far, including the constitution of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry and setting up of compensation funds for the victims.
According to him, “We have shown unprecedented commitment to the complete overhaul of the Nigeria Police Force. The inauguration of Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry is only the first step in a long line of reformative actions that will lead to a thorough revamp and reorientation of the Nigeria Police.
“I believe that some of the actions we have taken should, to a large extent, show our sincerity and willingness to address all your concerns.
“Let me reiterate that I am on the side of the young people out there. I understand your pain and I know your concerns are genuine and legitimate. While we are able to immediately acquiesce to some of your demands, some others will require time. We ask you to bear with us as we dutifully work on your demands.
“I will, therefore, like to renew my appeal to you to suspend the protests and create an atmosphere for the resolution of all pending demands. I encourage everyone brutalised by the disbanded SARS, including the families of those who died, to present their case before this tribunal.”
Sanwo-Olu made the appeal during the swearing-in of members of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution at the State House in Marina.
The governor’s appeal came on the heel of violent dimension assumed by the #EndSARS protests in some parts of the dtate.
Reiterating his solidarity with the protesters’ demands, Sanwo-Olu urged the protesters to be part of the process of implementing the reforms they clamoured for in the police, adding that continuous blocking of roads, government and private offices would slow down the procedure of implementing their demands.
He admitted that the task of reforming the police was achievable, but required the input and cooperation of the youth to accomplish task.
He commended the cohesiveness of the “resilient” young people who stood their ground in the last two weeks. Their tenacity, Sanwo-Olu said, has made the much-desired change in the policing system become inevitable.
Speaking about the judicial panel, the Governor said he was convinced that its outcome and recommendations would open a new chapter in police-citizen relationship.
He promised that his administration would ensure that all wounds are healed, justice served to victims of abuse, and guilty police officers prosecuted.
At the time of the swearing in of the panel members, the representatives of the youth in the panel had not been nominated by the protesters.
The Sanwo-Olu administration had, last Friday, reached out to the protesters to forward the name of their nominees into the judicial panel. The protesters, however, pleaded for more time to send the names of their nominees, four days after the request.
The Edo State Government has announced the imposition of a 24-hour curfew across the state with effect from 4:00 pm, October 19, 2020. till further notice.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie , announced the curfew, which he said is indefinite.
According to the SSG, the imposition of the curfew was due to the incidents of vandalism and attacks carried out by hoodlums who hijacked the #ENDSARS protests.
“This decision has become necessary because of the very disturbing incidents of vandalism and attacks on private individuals and institutions by hoodlums in the guise of the #ENDSARS protests.
“While the government of Edo State respects the rights of its citizens to undertake legitimate protests, it cannot sit idly when hoodlums have taken laws into their hands to cause mayhem on innocent citizens and the state,” Ogie said.
Following the imposed curfew, schools and businesses are to shutdown activities accordingly while those who cannot move safely are advised to stay put between now and 4:00pm till calmness is restored.
Suspected hoodlums had earlier on Monday morning hijacked the #EndSARS Protests in Benin City.
In a chat with Channels Television, the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media, Crusoe Osagie, disclosed that the hoodlums exchanged fire with security operatives at the Maximum prison in Benin City.
“The hoodlums are currently exchanging fire with the security personnel at the Maximum security prison in Oko, Benin City,” Osagie told Channels Television.
The hoodlums can be seen in videos invading the Benin Medium security prison on Sapele Road, releasing some inmates.
#EndSARS Protesters in Abuja defy security agents to continue demonstration. Photo: Channels TV.
Police officers have fired teargas at #EndSARS protesters in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The #EndSARS protesters who have been on the streets for about two weeks now were intercepted by the security agents at the John Kennedy Street as they attempt to march through the back gate of the Presidential villa.
Reports stated that the police officers fired tear gas at the protesters in an attempt to deter them from advancing further.
#EndSARS Protesters in Abuja defy security agents to continue demonstration. Photo: Channels TV.
The protesters had gathered at Power House in Asokoro on Monday to continue to drive home their demands for a lasting solution to end police brutality and extra-judicial killings at once.
Earlier in the day, soldiers mounted checkpoints along the Mararaba/Nyanya road linking Nasarawa State to the nation’s capital, Abuja.
Channels TV reported that some passengers were forced to walk as some commercial vehicles stayed off the roads for fear of being stuck in traffic while the popular aya roundabout is occupied by officers of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC).
Similarly, in order to protect important national assets, police officers were stationed in front of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) headquarters with Armoured Personnel Carrier and water cannons.
The 7-member Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution to probe accusations of brutality and human rights violations leveled against the now disbanded police tactical unit, Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) has been sworn-in on Monday at the State House, Marina, Lagos
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the swearing in of members of the panel said in the last two weeks, the state had witnessed the justified protests of youths against police brutality, saying that the pain of the young ones had been felt in various parts of the State and country as well as in the diaspora.
“They have spoken in one voice against the unbridled violation of their rights and lives by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad. Through the #EndSARS protests, Nigerians from all walks of life have spoken loud and clear on the need for government at all levels to take immediate and concrete actions to secure the lives of innocent Nigerians, especially the youth – many of whom have suffered gross violation of their fundamental human rights.
“Some have even lost their lives under questionable circumstances. In one of my engagements with the protesters, they gave me a list of five immediate demands, which I personally presented to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja last Tuesday.
“I must, however, state that even before my visit to Mr. President, I had taken action on some of their demands, which included the immediate release of all those detained on account of their participation in the #ENDSARS protests and the establishment of a N200 million fund for compensation to families and individuals who were victimized by officers of the disbanded SARS,” he said.
According to Sanwo-Olu, in response to one of the demands of the youths and in line with the resolution of the National Economic Council on October 15, 2020, under the Chairmanship of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Lagos State Government had constituted a Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution under the Chairmanship of a Retired Judge of the Lagos High Court, Justice Doris Okuwobi.
He said in Lagos State, the government fully understood the enormity of the task at hand and the need to ensure that it uphold the tenets of due process and fair hearing, which was why government had selected a seasoned and
unblemished Judge to head this Judicial Panel of Inquiry.
“The Panel will sit for six months with the following terms of reference: Receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra judicial killings in Lagos State and ensure that victims and their families are able to publicly air their grievances; evaluate evidence and draw conclusions on the validity of the complaints; determine and recommend compensation and other remedial measures where appropriate, and issue cheques in favour of victims
or their dependents; determine the officers responsible for the abuse of victims and recommend their prosecution.
“The panel is to make recommendations to the Lagos State Government on what must be done to ensure that the Police and all security agencies no longer abuse the rights of citizens. Recommend Standard Operating Procedures for the Police on relating with citizens while discharging its duties.
“By virtue of Section 5 of Tribunals of Inquiry Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, this Tribunal being set up today has powers to procure all such evidence, written or oral, and to examine all such persons as witnesses as the Tribunal may think necessary or desirable to procure or examine and summon any person in Nigeria to attend any meeting
of the Tribunal to give evidence or produce any document or other thing in the person’s possession,” he added.
The governor explained that the Tribunal had a mandate to carry out the directives of the Federal Government to enable it discharge its duties without fear or favour, advising members to be mindful that these complaints might be against Police Officers that are still in active service or already dismissed.
Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu stressed that members of the panel had the mandate to ensure that the rule of law prevailed. He said it is expected of the panel to use its powers to ensure that all necessary parties appeared before it to testify.
The governor reiterated the commitment of his government to implement the recommendations of the panel, expressing determination to ensure that the Police and other security agencies no longer brutalise or kill people.
“We will continue to play our part in the entrenchment of a just and secure society. I am on the side of the young people out there: I understand your pain and I know your concerns are genuine and legitimate. I must reiterate
that while we were able to immediately acquiesce to some of your demands, some others will require time: we ask you to bear with us as we dutifully work on your demands. I assure you that Lagos State will neither tolerate the violation of your fundamental human rights nor the victimization of its residents.
“I believe that some of the actions we have taken including the constitution of this Judicial Panel of Inquiry, should to a large extent, show our sincerity and willingness to address all your concerns. We are committed to the complete overhaul of the Nigerian Police; the inauguration of this judicial panel is only the first step in a long line of reformative actions that will lead to a thorough revamp and reorientation of the Nigerian Police.
“I will, therefore, like to renew my appeal to you to suspend the protests and create an atmosphere for the resolution of all pending demands. I encourage everyone brutalized by the disbanded SARS (including the families of those who died) to present their case before this Panel,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said the task of reforming the Nigerian Police was achievable, but noted that it required the cooperation of all Lagosians, including the youth to accomplish this, saying that “Through our collective actions, we will ensure that all wounds are healed, justice is served, and every guilty police officer is prosecuted.”
The panel, which is headed by retired Justice Doris Okuwobi, will sit for six months and is mandated to thoroughly investigate all verifiable claims of abuses and fatalities arising from SARS engagement in the State, with the objective to bring erring officers to justice and get compensation for the victims.
Other members of the judicial panel include: 1 Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN – representing the Civil Society; Mr. Taiwo Lakanu – a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police; Ms. Patience Udoh – representing the Civil Society; Mr. Segun Awosanya – Human Rights Activist; Mrs Olutoyin Odusanya – Director, Lagos Citizens Mediation Centre; Two Representatives of the protesting youth and a Representative of the National Human Rights Commission.
Nigerian Army weekend decided to ‘soro soke,’ saying the newly-launched Exercise Crocodile Smile VI has nothing to do with the ongoing #EndSARS protests across the country.
The Army, in a statement by its Acting Director, Public Relations, Sagir Musa, described the exercise as a yearly event set out to train officers and men to ensure safety and security of Nigeria and its citizens.
He said this year’s exercise has been scheduled to commence on October 20 till December 31, adding that it has no relationship with any lawful protest under any guise whatsoever.
He warned people to desist from insinuating that “it is an exercise meant to stifle the ongoing #EndSARS protest,” saying any attempt to do so would only lead to “sheer misinformation.”
According to him, “It is a yearly exercise in the Army Calendar/Forecast of Events which traditionally holds from October to December of each year.
“So far, the Army has acted professionally since the civil protest started over two weeks ago.
“The Army hereby enjoins all law-abiding Nigerians to go about their lawful activities unhindered.”
File photo: Ogun state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in a meeting with Health Workers in the State at the Governor's Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
State sets up forensic lab for police investigations
Allocate ₦50m as start up funds for victims compensation
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Friday appointed Justice Solomon Olugbemi (retired) as Chairman of the Judicial Panel of Investigation on alleged cases of Police brutalities against citizens of the State.
The appointment was in line with the resolution of the National Economic Council at its meeting on Thursday.
The virtual meeting presided over by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo, with State Governors participating directed each State Governor in consultation with relevant Federal Agencies to take charge of interaction with #EndSARS protesters, and as much as possible address their legitimate concerns.
The National Economic Council (NEC) also directed each State to set up Victims Support Fund to “enable payment of monetary compensations to deserving victims” of such alleged brutalities.
The Governors are also expected to set up Special Security and Human Rights Committees as well as Human Rights Complaint Offices in their respective State.
Following these directives Governor Dapo Abiodun in a statement issued in Abeokuta gave the list of members of each of the committees and their mandates as follows:
Judicial Panel of Investigation
Hon Justice Solomon Olugbemi (rtd) – Chairman
Members:
• Comrade Olayinka Folarin, Chairman, Ogun State Coalition of Civil Societies
• Ms Omonajevwe Janet Abiri, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA)
• DIG Babatunde Ogunyanwo (rtd)
• Comrade AbdulJabar Ayelagbe, Chairman, National Youth Council, Ogun State Chapter
• Comrade Bamgbose Tomiwa, NANS Chairman, Ogun State
• Ms Aisekegbe Momodu, National Human Rights Commission, Ogun State
• Mrs. Oluwatosin T. Ogundele – Chief State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, will serve as Secretary
The Committee is to receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality, human rights violations or related extra-judicial killings; evaluate evidence presented and recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate.
Special Security and Human Rights Committee
• Prince Dapo Abidoun, MFR, Governor of Ogun State -Chairman
• Heads of the security agencies in the State;
• Head of any special tactical unit of the Police in the State charged with fighting armed robbery and other violent crimes;
• Babatunde Adeluola, representing the youth
Representing the civil society are:
• Mrs. Peju Osoba of Child First Welfare International, and
• Comrade Obatungashe Israel Adebayo, Deputy National President, Campaign for Democracy (CD).
This Committee is charged, amongst others, with the task of ensuring the protection of the rights of citizens by all security and law enforcement agencies; monitor the prosecution of any officer indicted by the Presidential Panel on Police Reforms and entertain complaints of human rights violations from the State’s Human Rights Complaints Office.
Human Rights Complaints Office:
• Joseph Ogunniyi, Esq – Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ota Branch – Ombudsman
• Mr. Bamidele Adebayo, Director, Department of Citizens Rights, Ministry of Justice
• Mr. Shodeinde Oluwaponmile, Ogun State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission.
The Committee will facilitate easy access of complainants to prompt attention and assistance and give regular reports to the Special Security and Human Rights Committee for action.
Victims’ Support Fund:
A seed fund of Fifty Million Naira only (N50m) has been set aside as start-up amount to enable payment of monetary compensation to deserving victims.
In addition to the above initiatives agreed at the National Economic Council meeting, the Governor announced the setting up of Ogun State Human Rights Complaints Reporting Portal that will be accessible to all citizens of Ogun State to upload documentary and audio / video evidence of cases of abuse.
He also added that Ogun State will be establishing a Forensic Laboratory to aid and support police investigations and crime scene management.
Furthermore, the State will invest in the continuous training of police officers on investigation best practices, community policing and intelligence gathering.
The statement added that Gov Abiodun reiterated his Government’s commitment to the protection of human lives and properties. The Governor appealed to protesters to bring an end to the protests and allow a return to normalcy to give room for the implementation of government interventions, especially as the federal government has acceded to their demands whilst the state government has taken full responsibility for the implementation by taking these deliberate and practical steps and actions.
The Governor assured citizens that the committees need to be allowed a chance to activate measures to end human rights violations and compensate victims of previous abuses.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday, received in audience, Justice Doris Okuwobi (rtd), chairman of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution set up to investigate cases of brutality and human rights violations committed by operatives of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the State.
Okuwobi’s visit to the Governor came ahead of swearing in of the panel members, which will hold in Alausa on Monday and their inaugural sitting at LASWA Building on Falomo Road in Ikoyi.
The meeting, held behind closed doors, was attended by the Attorney General of the State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso.
The discussion in the meeting, it was gathered, focused on improvement in the composition of the panel membership and expectations of members of the public in the discharge of the panel’s duties.
After the meeting, Gov. Sanwo-Olu stated that the meeting was necessary to intimate the panel chairman on new developments and expectations of the Government.
The Governor disclosed that the membership slot reserved for the youth had been increased to two, saying the move was to ensure young people, who are mostly the victims of SARS brutality, had strong voice and contributions in the panel’s activities.
“The panel will commence its sitting next Monday after the official swearing in of its members in Alausa. We expect members of the public who have complaints against SARS operatives will approach the panel and bring forward their claims.
“It is also important to mention that we have increased the expected nomination from the youth. At the announcement of the panel two days ago, we asked the youth to bring forward one representative. We have increased the youth representation to two.
“I understand there is a process which the youth are using to nominate their representatives, which is very good. We will be expecting them to forward the names of their nominees to us before Monday. We believe that the increment in youth representation will further enrich the composition of the panel and diversity of the panel’s recommendations”, Sanwo-Olu said.
The Governor explained that the venue of the panel’s sitting was purposely chosen to create room for large occupancy should there be high number of complainants. He said the help desk lines specifically created to reach the panel members would be opened for calls from Monday.
He urged members of the public who had valid cases of brutality, human rights violations and extra-judicial killings to approach the panel for justice and compensation.
Other members of the panel include Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN (representing the Civil Society), Taiwo Lakanu (a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police), Ms Patience Udoh (representing the Civil Society), Mr. Segun Awosanya (Human Rights Activist), Mrs. Olutoyin Odusanya (Director, Lagos Citizens Mediation Center), and a representative of the Human Rights Commission.
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