The National Economic Council has directed the immediate establishment of State-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry across the country to receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra-judicial killings with a view to delivering justice for all victims of the dissolved SARS and other police units.
In a statement late Thursday issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity Office of the Vice President Laolu Akande, the Council specifically resolved that State Governors and the FCT Minister should take charge of interface and contact with the protesters in their respective domains.
At the meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and attended by State Governors, the Judicial Panels which would be set up in all the States would include representatives of youths, students, civil society organizations and would be chaired by a respected retired State high court judge.
The terms of reference for the Judicial Panel is to;
*receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra-judicial killings;
*evaluate evidence presented/other surrounding circumstances, and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints; and
*recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate.
The panel’s assignment is to be completed within a maximum of 6 months, unless there a compelling need for an extension
The Council also directed that State Governors should immediately establish a State-based Special Security and Human Rights Committee to be chaired by the governors, to supervise the newly formed police tactical units and all other security agencies located in the state.
This, according to the council is to ensure that police formations and other security agencies in the State consistently protect the Human Rights of citizens.
It was resolved that each State Government shall also set up complaints offices to which members of the public can relate by telephone or social media channels.
Also, NEC directs all State Governors to immediately establish a Victims Fund to enable the payment of monetary compensation to deserving victims.
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