Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has inaugurated an 11-man judicial panel of inquiry, to investigate cases of police brutality and extra judicial killings by operatives of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the state.
The panel, which was inaugurated on Tuesday at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office has a retired Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Badejoko Adeniji as Chairman.
Makinde stated that the panel of inquiry became necessary as a result of Police brutality, violation of citizens’ rights and unlawful killings.
“This 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 are collaborating with the Federal Government.
“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,” the governor said.
He added that the panel will have six months to complete its assignment.
Makinde also used the occasion to clarify the misrepresentation of the position of the South West leaders on the social media bill.
He said: “Contrary to media reports, our position remains that since we already have an extensive Cybercrime Act, 2015 we do not need any other bills to regulate social media.”
Members of the panel are drawn from the legal profession; National Human Rights Commission; Department of Public Prosecution (DPP); National Youth Council of Nigeria; youth representatives of #EndSARS protesters and residents.
NIGERIA 
