The Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS-related abuses in Lagos State has awarded more compensations to victims of police brutality in the state.
The chairperson of the panel, Doris Okuwobi, on Saturday gave judgment on six petitions.
Four of the petitioners were awarded compensations in different sums, while the two others received nothing.
A total amount of ₦16.25 million was awarded as compensation on Saturday. This makes the total amount of compensation so far ₦43.75 million.
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In one of the petitions, Felicia Opara petitioned the Nigerian Police Force for arresting and brutalizing her during the #EndSARS protests.
She had earlier narrated to the panel how she was arrested and beaten by several officers for filming the violence that occurred during the protest at Surulere on October 12, 2020.
Delivering judgment on the matter, Mrs. Okuwobi, a retired judge, said the panel found that the appropriate authorities were unable to bring perpetrators of the torture and abuses against the petitioner to book.
‘The police are aware of the fundamental rights of people guaranteed in the Constitution. The culture of impunity and violence as observed in some officers of the Police Force has given them the wrong mentality that brutality and excessive force are fundamental to achieving success in policing in Nigeria.’
The judge recommended an apology letter to the petitioner by the Nigerian Police force, training of officers on human rights laws and enforcement, and necessary disciplinary action against erring officers.
‘Compensation in the sum of ₦750,000 is hereby awarded to the petitioner,‘ the judge ruled.
In the second petition, the judge awarded N10 million as compensation to the family of Olusegun Openiyi who was killed by police officers in 2017.
Mrs. Okuwobi said based on the evidence given by the petitioner, the panel found that the petitioner’s fact was not challenged and controverted by the respondent and is credible and strong enough for compensation.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
