#EndSARS: Lalong constitutes Panel to investigate extra judicial killings

From Teryima Ajijah, Jos
Following instructions by the national economic council (NEC) of Nigeria that state governors should investigate and prosecute proven cases of police brutality on innocent citizens, the Plateau state governor Simon Lalong, has constituted a six man panel to deal with the situation.
The Director of Press and public affairs to the governor Dr. Makut Simon Macham, made the disclosure in a press release issued in Jos, on Sunday.
The panel is headed by a retired judge of the Plateau state High Court, Justice Philomena Lot.
Other members are a retired commissioner of police Garba Patrick Mr. Ezekiel Dauda Daschen, to represent interest of the Youth, Mrs. Rauta Dakok is be part of the panel as the representative of the Attorney General’s Office and Mrs. Kiyempia Mafuyai, for the Human Rights Commission.
One among the terms of Reference of the judicial panel are to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or any related extra judicial Killings.
Evaluate evidence and draw conclusions on validity of complaints; as well as recommend compensation and other remedial measures to be taken to avert future occurrence.
The Governor challenged the panel to be thorough, diligent and fair to all those that will appear before them in order to ensure that justice is served to all parties without any bias.
The committee is expected to carry out its assignment within six months of establishment and submit its report to government.
On the endSARS protest, the press statement said governor Lalong reiterates his deep support for the agitation of a wholistic reform of the policing architecture in Nigeria.
According to the press release Lalong is happy with the scrapping of SARS and will continue to advocate for further reforms in ensuing rapid implementation of community policing in the country.