#EndSARS: ENDSARS FRONTLINERS REITERATE DEMANDS FOR JUSTICE AND POLICE REFORMS.
The 309-paged report by the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses and Other Matters (JPI Report) is a crucial first step in the right direction, with a long journey to go.
The presentation of the JPI report by the panel to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, marks a significant milestone; however, the value of the report will only be realized when the government takes steps in good faith to ensure transparency and accountability in implementing its recommendations.
The Justice Okuwobi-led panel has gone a long way in acknowledging the pain of Nigerian citizens, who have been left scarred for years by traumatic experiences at the hands of the country’s security agencies. Crucially, the report also confirmed the reality of the Lekki Toll Gate Massacre, by naming verified victims, deceased and living, who suffered an inhumane, horrific act of human rights abuse, being shot at by the same security agents sworn to protect us as they peacefully protested for justice.
It is important to note that Lagos State’s JPI report is just one of the many that are expected. In response to our #5for5 demands, on October 15, 2020, the National Executive Council (NEC) mandated all state governments to set up Judicial Panels of Inquiry on Police Brutality and other Related Offences. One year and 2,791 petitions later, 7 states – Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara – have refused to set up panels; 6 states have completed sittings and submitted reports (Ekiti, Ondo & Bayelsa are publicly available); 18 states have completed sittings but not submitted reports; 3 states have suspended sittings indefinitely; Kogi inaugurated its Panel but has not had any sittings; and the sitting in Abuja is ongoing.
We are using this opportunity to reiterate our demands for justice and remind the Nigerian state of its constitutional responsibility as stated in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) – … “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
Furthermore, what is deeply disturbing is the fact that these cases of police brutality, extortion, and harassment have continued to rise significantly in the country, as some police officers continue to act with impunity, searching phones with slaps and beatings, torturing and extorting young people amongst other heinous crimes. The #EndSARS movement has dutifully observed these trends and reiterates that it is the Nigerian government’s obligation to protect and defend its citizens and urgent action MUST be taken at all levels and by all elected/appointed officials to ensure that this responsibility is executed and prioritized.
We therefore expect that the federal and state governments will act in good faith and urgently ensure that the following recommendations which are in line with the NEC’s directive, and corroborated by the JPI Report are implemented:
The state governments in Lagos and the other 18 states are to ensure that the reports of the Panels are finalized and all made public.
All persons indicted in the reports are duly prosecuted and punished, and any compensation recommended is paid in full to all victims and their families.
As directed by NEC, all state governments proceed to set up human rights committees to conclude with other cases and ongoing issues with the first order of business being an investigation into the unlawful incarceration of #EndSARS peaceful protesters in Lagos, Abuja, Oyo and other states.
While we recognize that the Nigeria Police Force is a federal institution, Lagos State has become an extremely problematic hotspot and so many cases of police extortions are being reported daily via the media. The Lagos State government must live up to its responsibility to protect its residents and set up an effective and well-publicized process for reporting, documenting and investigating any further incidents of unauthorised action and brutality by any representatives of the police or other law enforcement agencies. At the very least, we request that a central registry (preferably digital) be set up by the Lagos State government into which citizens can report such incidents, and the Attorney General of the state in collaboration with appropriate officers of the Police Service Commission take steps to ensure a monthly review and accelerated action against offending officers.
Clear action to fulfil all promises made regarding police reform. The Police Service Commission should fulfill its mandate and provide a detailed reform strategy with timelines and milestones to improve the remuneration, welfare, training and working conditions of police officers to enable collaboration by civil society organisations and accountability by the government to its commitments.
Lastly, it is imperative that an acknowledgement and a sincere apology by the state and federal government is received by the victims of police brutality and military oppression in Nigeria at large, and specifically the Lekki Toll Gate Massacre. A memorial of this horrific occurrence must also be installed at the Lekki Toll Gate, to forever mark the memory of the deceased, and honor their martyrdom.
This will be a clear indication that the government is ready to work to reform the police, put an end to the brutality suffered by citizens, and begin the process of healing that the country so desperately needs.
Signed: #EndSARS Frontliners
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