Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Police Reform

Police Dispute Brutality Claims as Akwa Ibom Schoolboy is Hospitalized

Premium Times reports a dispute in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after a schoolboy was hospitalized under circumstances that the family attributes to police assault, while the State Police Command says the injuries resulted from a motorcycle traffic accident. The case has drawn heightened attention following the arrest of a local blogger who publicized the allegation online.

Police sources described the blogger’s posts as malicious misinformation, while human-rights advocates have called for an independent medical evaluation to establish the factual cause and nature of the injuries.

Leadership and Daily Post also reported on the controversy, including concerns raised by lawyers over the implications for press freedom and accountability, as well as police assurances of an internal investigation.

Echotitbits take: The arrest of a blogger in a contested injury case quickly broadens into a national debate about transparency, policing, and civic space. Watch for calls for independent review—medical and legal—and for whether state actors step in to prevent escalation into mass protest dynamics.
Source: Premium Times — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/south-south-regional/851714-police-dispute-claim-over-injured-schoolboy-arrest-blogger.html?tztc=1 2026-01-24

Photo Credit: Premium Times

January 24, 2026
Experts Urge Police Reform as Military Remains Overstretched in Security Roles

Experts Urge Police Reform as Military Remains Overstretched in Security Roles

In an update published by The Punch, security experts and former military leaders called for a phased withdrawal of the Armed Forces from internal security operations. At a forum, former Army Chief Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd) argued that prolonged military involvement in policing perpetuates dependency and weakens the Nigeria Police Force.

The reform debate comes amid concerns about accidental killings and human-rights frictions involving soldiers in civilian-facing roles. Speakers advocated a defined transition timeline—suggesting a one-year window—to reform, train, and properly fund the police to resume their statutory role as primary guardians of internal law and order.

Daily Post validated similar sentiments, quoting a security analyst warning against using the military as the default tool for every episode of civil unrest. The Nation also reported that the current administration is considering adjustments to internal security architecture.

Echotitbits take: This debate has simmered for years. The military can provide immediate stabilization, but internal security requires community policing, de-escalation, and accountability frameworks. A credible transition back to police-led internal security is essential for long-term civil-military relations.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/internal-security-withdraw-military-reform-police/ (2026-01-23)

Photo Credit: The Punch 2026-01-23

January 23, 2026
Police Reform to Ensure Accountability to Citizens, Good Welfare for Officers – Reps

Speaker, House of Representatives, Nigeria, Femi Gbajabiamila has called on all well-meaning Nigerians to make inputs toward the enactment of the Police Service Commission (Reform) Bill.

Addressing stakeholders at the 9th House Legislative Agenda Public Policy Dialogue Series with the theme ‘Policing/Human Rights in Nigeria,’ Gbajabiamila affirmed that the House’s reform objectives include wholesale reviews of police recruitment and training procedures and practices.

The Speaker noted that the reform includes an obligation to drastically and rapidly improve the welfare and wellbeing of police officers from recruitment through to retirement.

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“As we expect more from the men and women who carry arms and take risks to protect us, we must also be ready to do right by them, and by their families. They too are our citizens; they are our brothers and sisters deserving of the best that our nation can offer.

“I want to assure all of you in this room, all of you who are watching today from wherever you are, the 9th House of Representatives will do everything we can to deliver for the Nigerian people a policing system that works for every citizen.

“We will talk, we will engage, we will change laws, and we will amend the Constitution subject to the consensus of the Nigerian people.

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We will do everything that we have the power to do so that when the account of this moment is given, we will be counted for making the right choices and doing justice by our people,” he said.

He said the issue of Police Reform has since the inauguration of the 9th House been one of the fundamental commitments of the Green Chamber.

“This is because we recognise that the policing function is at the very heart of any fully functioning state. It is through the institution, mechanisms and resources of policing that the state can protect the welfare and wellbeing of its citizens.

“Without the ability to offer this protection, the state loses legitimacy and the authority that flows from there. A society that cannot effectively police itself ceases to exist, and a government that fails to protect its citizens has lost the right to continue in office.”

“This is why we must commend the present administration which inherited a flawed policing system and is now taking giant steps to reform the system through the recently enacted Police Reform Act, 2020 and several other measures. But the work is far from done, & we must continue”

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“We will have succeeded in building modern and effective Police when service in the Nigeria Police Force consistently attracts the best and brightest in our country without objection.”

In a remark, the Chairman of the House Committee on Implementation and Monitoring of the Legislative Agenda, Rep. Henry Nwawuba also stated that the 9th House has committed itself to seeking collective and holistic ways to find lasting solutions to our national needs.

Noting that his committee was set up to ensure that the House meets its agenda and live up to its best aspirations and objectives, Nwawuba said the dialogue was an innovative step in the Bill process to get stakeholders’ buy-in even before the presentation of the Bill.

November 19, 2020
How President Buhari Intends to Move Forward with #EndSARS Demands

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday night again indicates his readiness to move forward with the demands of the Nigerian youth through the EndSARS protest by appealing to come to the negotiation table and not be afraid.

The President made the appeal in his remarks at the maiden National Youth Day celebration, observed on November 1, which coincides with the African Youth Day celebration in Abuja.

At the event with the theme: ”Invest in the Youth, Secure Our Future”, where winners of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development 60-day App Challenge and Youth Innovators were recognised and received cash rewards, the President assured that his administration will not attempt to stop or suppress their voices, President Buhari further appealed to Nigerian youths to end street protests and participate in meaningful discussions with government aimed at comprehensive reforms to end all forms of police brutality against Nigerians.

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In the same vain, President Buhari has also condemned wrongful use and imposition of violent force against any innocent, law-abiding persons, particularly young people, a stigma that compelled Nigerian youths to recently take to the streets in protest against police brutality in the country. The agitation le to the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, a unit in the Nigerian Police Force.

President Buhari, who was represented at the event by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Muhammad Bello, reiterated that the pleas of Nigerian youths have been heard by his administration and advised them not to be afraid to come out to dialogue with the government on the best way to reform the police.

He said that the Federal Government ‘‘now wants to hear concrete and practical ideas,’’ from the youths, while acknowledging their constitutional right to peaceful protests.

”You must realize that protests cannot last indefinitely. My government will not lift a hand to stop or suppress you.

”However, the fact of the matter is that other forces and actors will seek to take over your protests that they may redirect them in ways you did not intend and perhaps do not agree with.

”Every successful protest movement the world over has understood that there comes a time when activity must move from the street to the negotiation table. That time for you has come. Do not be afraid of this reality. You should welcome it.

”It is important that we all strive to use this moment constructively. Too many people have already sacrificed too dearly. It is our duty to use this fateful situation to move ourselves to a more just and caring society.

”As youth, you have a nation and a future to build. My government will always be your faithful partner in this essential and patriotic endeavours.”

He said, ”No one who is obeying the law, whether they are in line waiting for a taxi or in a peaceful protest line, should be harassed or brutalized by law enforcement agencies.

”It is because of my abiding belief in the people’s constitutional rights that we moved with dispatch to abolish SARS and to consider other reforms that will enhance the quality of law enforcement and improve the relationship between the police and public which is a pre-requisite in a just society.

”To allow protests is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and belief in democracy, and faith in the innate goodness of our people.

”This also shows confidence in the ability of our government to work with the people toward a reasonable and practical resolution to any challenge,” he said.

The president highlighted that in order to empower youths across the nation, whom he described as agents for social change, economic growth and sustainable development, his administration has established no fewer than 25 initiatives.

He noted that these noble initiatives, ongoing in the last five years, were aimed at placing Nigerian youths on the path of career development, entrepreneurship, skills development and direct employment.

”Today we will unveil the official logo of the N75 billion Nigeria Youth Investment Fund for the period of 2020 – 2023.

”This novel fund is dedicated to investing in the innovative ideas, skills and talents of Nigerian Youths and to provide our youths with a special window to access much needed financing, business management skills and other inputs critical for sustainable enterprise,” he said.

The President announced that over one million applications have already been received since the Youth Investment Fund Portal went live on 12th of October 2020.

He listed other youth-based initiatives, consistent with his administration’s policy of positioning youths for strategic leadership in different fields of endeavour, as follows:

”The birth of the Nigerian Youth Policy in 2019, the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund in July 2020, Young Farmers Initiative, Digital Skills, Entrepreneurship, Employability and Leadership/Mentoring (DEEL) programme, which recently received an approval of N4 billion naira for implementation, and the Not Too Young to Run Act.”

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Other initiatives, according to the President, include the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES) , the N-Power, SI and Disaster Management, the Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Programme , Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) and the Youth Enterprise with Innovation In Nigeria (YouWIN).

The President also added the $20 million Technology Fund for Young Innovators as some of the major initiatives empowering youths across the country.

Restating his call for national unity, President Buhari said Nigerian youths are better positioned to drive the indivisibility of Nigeria and collectively overcome whatever challenges bedevilling the nation.

He said, ”On this special occasion, we affirm our faith and confidence in the indivisible entity called Nigeria and in its future.

”We face many challenges but, in you, this nation has the collective ability and drive to overcome that which confronts us”, President Buhari affirmed.

November 2, 2020
#EndSARS: IGP, Lawmakers Reaffirm Commitment to Police Reforms

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, Friday played host to members of House Committee on Police Affairs at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

This was coming as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Research and Planning, Leye Oyebade, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, had led ‘operation clearing all the barricaded spots in volatile areas in the state.

The operation led to the clearing of the obstructions on major roads in order to create access for motorists and other road users, especially those on essential services.

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The House committee, led by its Chairman, Usman Bello Kumo, was at the Force Headquarters, as part of the oversight functions of the House of Representatives, to assess and advise on the ongoing reforms of the Nigeria Police Force and efforts at restoring normalcy to areas affected by violence arising from the #EndSARS protests in some parts of the country.

Adamu, who noted that the Force has commenced Comprehensive Internal Review and Evaluation of circumstances that led to the #EndSARS protests and the violence, fatalities and damage to critical infrastructure that emanated therefrom, apprised the committee on efforts made so far by the Force to restore normalcy and prevent future occurrence.

Some of these efforts, he mentioned include: strengthening the internal disciplinary mechanism of the Force, training of the newly formed Tactical Squad, debriefing and psychological/medical examination for operatives of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad and general improvement of police-citizen relationship, among others.

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Adamu reassured the committee as well as the Nigerian people that the Force was more than ever before, committed to police reforms and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all to live and thrive devoid of any violation of their fundamental human rights.

Responding, the committee expressed satisfaction at the efforts by the police chief in managing the #EndSARS protests and the ensuing violence but called for an all-inclusive approach at ensuring immediate end of the violence, improving police service delivery, rebuilding trust and public confidence and respect for human rights amongst others.

The lawmakers commiserated with Adamu over the loss of police personnel who died during the crisis and promised to work tirelessly with the Force to ensure an enabling environment for optimal performance by the police.

They called on other stakeholders including parents, guardians, online influencers, youth leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, etc to work with the police and government to bring a halt to the carnage on our streets and restore law and order.

The operation clearing all the barricaded spots in Lagos State was borne out of the need to clear the roads off barricades and taking charge of security of lives and property in the state due to the prevailing violent attacks on lives and property of the police, government and private individuals leaving many lives and property lost and damaged.

Oyebade and Odumosu visited some strategic places particularly the attacked Nigerian Correctional Custodial Centrenin Ikoyi, which was partly set on fire by the hoodlums, to assess the extent of damage and fortify the security of the centre to prevent jail break.

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The areas where they led the operation clearing the barricaded spots include: Falomo Roundabout, Sura-Adeniji and Ilubinrin end of Third Mainland Bridge, Iyana Oworo and Gbagada end of Ikorodu Expressway, Ojuelegba (Surulere) and Apongbon Bridge in the Lagos Island.

Odumosu, who appreciated Oyebade for his sterling leadership qualities and efforts in making sure that normalcy was restored to Lagos, condemned continuous attacks on police stations and public facilities as Ikotun Police Station was set ablaze Thursday by hoodlums.

He warned that the command would neutralise any moves that could jeopardise security architecture vis-a-vis maintenance of law and order in Lagos State.

Odumosu charged police officers and other security agents to be resolute in protection of lives and property and restoration of peace and public safety in the state.

Idowu Sowunmi

October 23, 2020
President Buhari Says He’s Committed to Lasting Police Reforms, Appeals for Calm

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that his commitment to extensive Police reforms should never be in doubt, presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina stated in a statement on Wednesday.

The presidency spokesman stated that the President had in September 2020 signed the new Nigeria Police Act, the first comprehensive revision of the Police Act in decades.

“At the last count, no fewer than 13 States have gone ahead to establish the Judicial Panels of Inquiry as resolved by the National Economic Council to address the question of redress and justice for victims of police brutality across the country.

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“The States that have set up the panels so far are: Lagos, Kaduna, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Plateau, Edo, Nasarawa, Ondo and Akwa Ibom.

Adesina said: “President Muhammadu Buhari welcomes the promptness of these necessary subnational actions, and reaffirms his commitment to supporting the State Governments to ensure that justice is achieved for all victims of police brutality in Nigeria.

“Under the Chairmanship of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the National Economic Council (NEC) at its meeting on Thursday October 15, 2020 resolved to establish State-level Judicial Panels of Inquiry, to investigate allegations of Police brutality and ensure that all erring personnel are brought to justice”, he said.

President Buhari in June 2019, was said to have signed a Bill establishing the Police Trust Fund, to mobilize additional funding for the welfare and equipping of the Nigeria Police Force.

“Accrual of funding into the Fund, as specified in its enabling Act, has commenced.

“President Buhari in 2018 approved an increase in Police salaries and the Police personnel budget has seen a rise from 288 billion Naira in the 2018 Budget to 417 billion Naira in the proposed 2021 budget; an increase of 45 per cent” the presidency spokesman said.

On pension matters for the police, Adesina explained that on Tuesday, at the commissioning of the Nigerian Police Pension Fund Limited building, the President reiterated continuous support for both serving and retired police personnel.

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Equally, the rollout and funding of a new Community Policing Initiative was approved as part of a larger programme of police reform in Nigeria, aimed at rewriting the rules of engagement between the Force and citizens, Adesina stated.

“As President Buhari declared, the immediate dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), is the first step in a set of reform policies that will deliver a Police system accountable to the Nigerian people. The President has also approved full implementation of the report of the 2018-2019 Presidential Panel on Police Reform.

“Indeed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Police Service Commission (PSC) have now commenced the implementation of the Report.

Reiterating the commitment of the President Buhari administration to the implementation of lasting Police reforms in Nigeria, Adesina appealed for understanding and calm across the nation, as the implementation of the reforms gathers pace at Federal and State levels.

October 21, 2020
#EndSARS: Lagos Swears-In 7-member Judicial Panel into SARS brutality

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.

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“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.

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“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.”

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Governor Sanwo-Olu Set to Inaugurate Judicial Panel to Investigate Police Brutality

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.

October 19, 2020
Governor Sanwo-Olu Set to Inaugurate Judicial Panel to Investigate Police Brutality

• Increases Youth Representation To Two

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.

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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.

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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.

October 19, 2020
Gov Sanwo-Olu Visits Widow of Man Shot Dead During #EndSARS Protest

To further demonstrate his heart-led leadership qualities, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, visited the widow of the driver hit by stray bullet during the last Monday demonstration by youths in Surulere for the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The protest ended bloody when the police attempted to disperse some of the protesters who were moving towards Anti-Cultism Police Command in the area. In the ensuing chaos, Okechukwu Iloamuazor, 55, was hit by bullet and died on the spot.

The governor arrived at the deceased’s house at 2pm and was received by family members led by their head, Bede Enewally. The family house was enveloped in gloom as the Number One Lagos State citizen visited the grief-stricken widow, Ngozi Iloamuazor.

Sanwo-Olu commiserated with the family over the incident, which he described as unfortunate. He said late Iloamuazor should not have died under the circumstance, but assured the family members that the perpetrators would be brought to book.

Already, all the four policemen who opened fire on the protesters in Surulere had been identified by the government and the police authorities. They are currently undergoing orderly room trial at Lagos State Police Command.

But, Sanwo-Olu assured that his administration would take the officers’ punishment beyond the established disciplinary guidelines of the police.

According to him, “On behalf of Lagos State Government, and the people of Lagos, I commiserate with the family over this mindless brutality that led to the death of your son. We condemn endless killing of innocent citizens to the highest level. It is highly disheartening to learn that the victim, Mr. Iloamuazor, was performing his legitimate duty when the unfortunate incident happened. He hurt no one to have subjected to such pain death.

“The officers involved are undergoing orderly room trial as we speak, but we will allow the police complete their investigation. We will certainly take the case out of the police and bring the full wrath of the law on the officers who perpetrated this irresponsible act. This will be clear signal for other trigger-happy officers.

“Mr. Iloamuazor’s death is a sad loss not only for the family but to the entire citizenry that has clamoured for an end to police brutality. I assure you that his death won’t be in vain and the case will not be swept under the carpet. This is going to be the beginning of real change that people want to see in law enforcement.”

Sanwo-Olu reiterated that his administration remained on the side of those calling for change in policing method. He said all those maimed or killed in Lagos in the course of the demonstration would be duly compensated, adding that his administration would honour their sacrifices by pushing for reforms that would bring about a policing system that would uphold rights of the citizens.

He said: “As a government, we have stood on the side of the protesters and we totally believe their agitation is legitimate. We need total reform in the policing system and it is a clarion call on all of us, who are exercising powers on behalf of the citizens.”

A policeman, Inspector Ayodeji Erinfolami, also died in the incident.

Late Iloamuazor’s boss, Sam Okafor, who witnessed how the driver got hit by stray bullet, relived the incident.

Okafor cleared the air that the deceased was not partaking in the protest, pointing out they were both heading to Ilupeju when they ran into the protesters in Surulere.

“We were stuck in the traffic caused by the protesters who were shouting #EndSARS. For more than 40 minutes, there was no movement. I wound down the windshield for fresh air, while Iloamuazor got down from the car to stretch his body. After stretching, he put his both hands into his pockets and trying to figure out where the traffic started.

“Suddenly we heard gunshot three times. The next thing I saw was Iloamuazor falling from his position. His hands remained in his pockets as he fell. I ran out of the car and screamed for help. People came and started performing all sort of things to save him. The police came to the scene and I told them my driver had been shot on the spot,” he said.

Okafor urged the governor to ensure justice was served in the matter, noting that he was yet to be relieved of the shock.

Enewally said Iloamuazor’s death threw the family into a state of perpetual sorrow, noting that the deceased carried several responsibilities in the family. He said the family put its trust in the governor to ensure justice was served at the end of the day.

October 17, 2020
Presidential Panel Recommends Dismissal of 37 Ex-SARS Officers, Prosecution of Others

No fewer than 37 police officers attached to the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have been recommended for dismissal over allegations bordering on human rights violations.

From the data contained in the report of the Special Presidential Panel set up by the Federal Government in 2018 on reform of SARS, no fewer than 24 officers would face prosecution over various professional misconducts.

Youths across Nigeria troop to the streets protesting against Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious tactical squad of the Nigerian Police Force accused of impunity and gross human rights violations.

Disclosing this while submitting the report of the panel to the Police Service Commission, the Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, charged the commission to ensure speedy implementation of the findings.

Besides, the panel submitted that capable, professional and credible people must be selected into SWAT unit as part of efforts to bring reform into the police force.

“There must also be close supervision of the newly selected officers so that the nation will not experience the rot that became the fate of the disbanded unit.

“The panel also directed the Inspector General of Police to unravel the identity of 22 officers involved in the violation of the human rights of innocent citizens,” the report pointed out.

Idowu Sowunmi

October 17, 2020