Ekiti Constitutes Panel On Human Rights Violations, Sets Aside Funds For Compensation To Victims |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman, Ekiti state Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Mr Rotimi Ojomoyela, is among members of Ekiti state Judicial Panel on Human Rights Violations by Police officers, SARS operatives and other persons named on Monday by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode stated that Dr. Fayemi,  directed the immediate establishment of the Judicial Panel with retired Justice Cornelius Akintayo as Chairman.

According to the statement, other members of the 10- member panel are Mr. Dipo Ayeni, Commissioner of Police; Mrs. Yetunde Kolawole, State Counsel, representing the Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice; and Mrs. Kikelomo Owolabi, Chairperson, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikere-Ekiti Branch.

Others are Mr. Abiodun Adigun, Representative, National Human Rights Commission:

Mr. Adeyinka Opaleke, Representative, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria; Ms. Caroline Fakinlede, Ekiti State Youths Representative; Mr. Abiola Johnson-Ogunleye- Ekiti State Students Representative and Mr. Akin Rotimi, Researcher, Police Reforms.

Its Terms of Reference include:

To receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra-judicial killings;

Receive and Investigate complaints of violence against individuals and destruction of properties in every part of Ekiti State in the course of the protest; and evaluate evidence presented and other surrounding circumstances, as well as draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints.

The panel is also expected to recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate.

The statement added that the panel has six months duration during which the Chairman is expected to provide monthly briefings to the Attorney- General & Commissioner for Justice to further enhance the speedy consideration of all complaints.

“In order to enable the panel respond appropriately to the urgent needs of victims of rights violations, Mr. Governor has established Victims Compensation Fund to enable the speedy payment of monetary compensation to deserving victims.”