The Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution for Victims of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Related Abuses in Lagos State, on Monday said that it was waiting for the two nominated representatives of the youths to begin proceedings.
Law Reporters reports that earlier in the day, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had inaugurated the panel at the State House, Marina, Lagos.
The panel is made up of the Chairman, Justice Doris Okuwobi (Rtd), Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN), Taiwo Lakanu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and a founding member of SARS.
Other panelists are Oluwatoyin Ogunsanya, Director, Lagos State Directorate of Citizen’s Rights and Patience Patrick-Udoh, a representative of the civil society groups.
The panel of inquiry is scheduled to sit daily (Mondays to Fridays) from 10am to 4pm for the next six months.
Addressing individuals at the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) Yard, Ikoyi, Lagos, the venue slated for the hearings, Okuwobi said the start of inaugural hearing was being hindered by the absence of the nominated representatives of the youths.
Okuwobi enjoined the media to give an accurate representation of the public hearings in order not to heat up the polity.
She noted that if details of the proceeding are “overblown” by the press, they may be prevented from covering proceedings.
Speaking, Lakanu pledged his dedication in ensuring that Nigeria Police Force (NPF) undergoes the much needed reforms.
He noted that the disbanded SARS had derailed from the purpose for which it was initially created.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) on behalf of the government and people of Lagos, thanked the members of the panel for accepting the responsibility of hearing cases of alleged abuses by the police.
He assured all citizens of Lagos particularly the protesting youths that the panel is the first step to reforming the police.
