Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria has inaugurated an 11-man Special Judicial Panel to look into cases of police brutality in the state.
Makinde stated that members of the panel which is headed by Justice Bolajoko Adeniji (retired), were drawn from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Department of Public Prosecution, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, youth representatives of EndSARS protesters and the community
“We inaugurated the Oyo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry into police brutality, violation of rights of citizens and unlawful killings. The panel is made up of eleven (11) members led by Justice Bolajoko Adeniji (retired), as Chairman of the panel,” the governor said.
“Members of the panel are drawn from the legal community, the National Human Rights Commission, the Department of Public Prosecution, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, youth representatives of EndSARS protesters and the community.”
He stated that the panel was constituted pursuant to Section 2(1) of the Oyo State Commission of Inquiry Law Cap 32 of the Laws of Oyo State 2000 which empowers the governor to set up a commission of inquiry.
“However, as the scope is beyond Oyo State, we’re collaborating with the Federal Government.”
He advised victims of police brutality to come forward to give their testimonies “so the aim of the panel will be achieved, which is for victims of police brutality to receive justice”.
Makinde stated that those responsible for the deaths of Isiaka Jimoh, Ganiyu Moshood Alabi, and Adeoye Taiwo would be brought to book.
“I encouraged anyone who has faced human rights abuse in the hands of any of the security forces to use this opportunity to seek justice. I also stated that those responsible for the deaths of Isiaka Jimoh, Ganiyu Moshood Alabi, and Adeoye Taiwo would be brought to book.”
He noted that the setting up of the panel was in line with his statement made on October 18, that the Oyo State Government was making plans to set up a judicial panel that would look into various forms of violations by security forces.
He disclosed that an email account has been created on a section on the state’s website for victims to report police brutality.
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