Ondo – A cloud of discontent looms as victims of police brutality, determined to seek justice, have turned their sights on Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the state government.
The source of their grievance stems from the apparent stalling of the implementation of the 2020 ENDSARS panel report. Led by Justice Adesola Sidiq (rtd), the panel had meticulously examined 77 petitions, ultimately recommending a significant compensation sum of N755 million to the affected individuals.
Furthermore, the panel advocated for the publication of apologies in national newspapers in deserving cases and the discontinuation of cases against those arrested during the ENDSARS protests.
Notably, the panel suggested a crucial revision of Section 84 of the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act, aiming to streamline the process of executing judgments against law enforcement and other public officials, especially in cases involving human rights violations.
Expressing dismay over the extended delay in the release and implementation of the panel’s recommendations, lawyer Tope Temokun, representing some of the victims, delivered a scathing statement in Akure. Temokun underscored the disappointment felt by the affected parties, stressing that the Governor’s responsibilities do not encompass the concealment of such critical reports from the public eye.
“In this case, public fund was dissipated into that exercise and the poor victims, embracing hopes and trusting in the government, travelled distances from the various communities of the state to come and present their complaints. The panel had completed its historical and statutory role and had submitted report.
“This country bled for long under the disbanded SARS and the victims need the government to heal their wounds. So the purpose of that exercise was to ensure that justice was done to victims of police brutality, extra-judicial killings and infringement of the fundamental human rights of the people.
“Holding on to such panel report is illegal, immoral and it is an unpardonable sin against humanity. It is against good conscience to deny victims of hopes.
“We call on the government of Ondo Sate to purge itself of this sinful act and release the report to the public and implement same. We shall approach the court to enforce this if the government fails to heed,” he asserted.
Sir Charles Titiloye, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, affirmed that the current administration has executed certain components of the panel report and is actively examining the matter concerning the disbursement of compensation to the affected individuals.
