Nigeria: CSOs Urged to Submit Lekki Shooting Proof

The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution has urged civil society organisations (CSOs) to assist it with credible evidence as the panel investigates the shooting of peaceful protesters at the Lekki tollgate.

Chairman of the panel, retired Justice Doris Okuwobi, made the call while addressing newsmen at the Lagos Court of Arbitration.

At least seven people were killed, with many injured , according to witnesses who said they were shot at by soldiers.

But the Nigerian army has denied attacking the protesters.

The panel was originally set up to handle complaints of human rights violations against operatives of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

‘We are looking forward to memoranda from those affected by the unfortunate incident of the shooting at the Lekki tollgate plaza by the military’, she said.

‘We are relying on the civil society to assist the panel with credible evidence of the killings at the Lekki tollgate plaza.

‘This is to ensure that there will be good evidence to assist the panel make appropriate recommendations in respect of all terms of reference of the panel’.

It was learnt that Justice Okuwobi has received 15 petitions against SARS officers.

‘If their cases are disposed of in a month or two, compensation, if recommended, should go to the victims immediately to assuage their pain’, she said.

Protests, with hashtag #EndSARS, were triggered by the alleged killing of a young man by operatives of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Lagos on 03 October.

SARS, which was specifically set up to fight robbery and kidnapping, has long been accused of harassment, unlawful arrests, torture and killings.

The police unit has been dissolved but protesters are demanding a complete reform of the police force, and prosecution of erring police officers.

Source: Punch Newspaper

Photo source: RadioNow

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