#EndSARS: Panel awards over N218m compensation as Ogun gov receives report

Ogun State judicial panel of investigation on police brutality and extrajudicial killings, on Friday, submitted its report to the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and awarded a sum N218 million as compensation for 42 victims.

Abiodun, at the event, assured that his administration would implement the recommendations towards having a peaceful society that would engender more robust relationship between the people and security agencies.

The governor, while receiving the report at the Executive Council Chamber, appreciated the panel members for their efforts and contributions towards the successful completion of the task.

“I believe that the implementation of this report will end the gory experience often encountered by residents of the state,” the governor assured.

Governor Abiodun appreciated the youth, security agencies, media, religious and community leaders, market men and women and other people of goodwill for their contributions to the development of the State.

Earlier in his address, Chairman of the panel, Justice Solomon Olugbemi, disclosed that after its findings, the panel recommended a total payment of over N218 million as compensation for 42 victims or families of victims of brutality and violation of human rights by Police and other security personnel in Ogun State.

The chairman added that the panel made recommendations for the investigation, discipline and where appropriate, prosecution of certain personnel to serve as deterrent and in the interest of justice

Justice Olugbemi revealed that the panel received a total of 106 petitions, out of which 58 were treated and the remaining 48 were either withdrawn, rejected or abandoned wholly or half-way by the petitioners.

According to the Chairman, “the 289 page report captured the testimonies and evidences of details of torture, unjustifiable shootings, inhumane treatment and other forms of human rights abuses leading to brain damage, spinal cord injuries, permanent disability, death, loss of means of livelihood, unlawful seizure of personal properties and various forms of atrocities.” (Saturday Tribune)

•Governor Abiodun receiving the report of the Ogun State #EndSARS Panel from the Chairman, Justice Solomon Olugbemi