Fayemi inaugurates judicial panel of inquiry on rights violations by police

This is contained in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday by Mr Olayinka Oyebode, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Kayode Fayemi.

The governor said that the 10 member judicial panel headed by Justice Cornelius Akintayo (Rtd), would sit for six months and submits its report with recommendations to the government.

Members include Mr Dipo Ayeni, Commissioner of Police (Rtd), Mrs Yetunde Kolawole, State Counsel- (Representing the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice)

and Mrs Kikelomo Owolabi, Chairperson, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikere-Ekiti Branch.

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The list also include Mr. Rotimi Ojomoyela, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council, Mr Jamiu Abiodun Adigun, Representative, National Human Rights Commission and Mr Adeyinka Opaleke, Representative, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria

Others are Ms Caroline Fakinlede, Ekiti State Youths Representative, Mr Abiola Johnson-Ogunleye- Ekiti State Students Representative and Mr Akin Rotimi, Researcher, Police Reforms.

The terms of reference of the Panel are: receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra-judicial killings, receive and investigate complaints of violence against individuals and destruction of properties in Ekiti State in the course of the protest.

The panel is also to evaluate evidence presented and other surrounding circumstances, and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints; and recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate.

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The statement said that the chairman of the panel was expected to provide monthly briefings to the Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice to further enhance the speedy consideration of all complaints.

It also said that Fayemi had directed the establishment of a compensation fund to enable the speedy payment of monetary compensation to deserving victims.

The governor further directed the Ministry of Justice to immediately ensure that its Department of Citizens Rights received walk-in complaints of Human Rights violation, and through telephone or social media channels.

The News Agency of (Nigeria NAN) reports that the inauguration of the panel followed the directive by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that states should constitute panels of inquiry to investigate extra judicial killings and human rights abuses by the SARS.