Ogun Judicial Panel Receives 40 petitions As Victims Recount Loses From Defunct SARS

A petitioner, Mr. Musbau Semiu  Ademola who was stopped by the disbanded Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) operatives on May 13, 2020 while coming from Obasanjo hatchery farm where he went to buy 650 day old chickens and turkeys was delayed for over two hours.

Mr. Ademola made this known during the maiden edition of the sitting of Ogun Judicial Panel of Investigation set up to investigate complaints of victims on police brutality, human rights violations and extra judicial killings by security operatives within the State revealing that the delay led to the death of 335 birds costing N448,500 which has made him to be living from hand to mouth ever since then due to the great loss.

After the respondent, Inspector Fatai Rabiu had given evidence and answered questions from the petitioner and the Panel, the matter was adjourned till 11th November 2020 for further hearing.

Another petitioner, Mr. Tunji Adeoso, from Abeokuta said his brother in-law, Sunday Olorunnisola was arrested and detained by a SARS officer, Corporal Omosolape Ahmed popularly known as Oosa at their Magbon station in Abeokuta and while trying to plead for his release, he got a serious slap from corporal Ahmed who later collected a sum of N150,000 from the family before releasing the detained boy.

The Panel Chairman, Hon. Justice Solomon Olugbemi (rtd) said the petitioner and the respondent would be invited when the panel finishes its investigation and evaluation on the matter.

Addressing journalists after the sitting, Justice Olugbemi who revealed that the Panel had already received 40 petitions called on those who still have theirs not to hesitate to, enjoining petitioners not to be afraid because nobody would harass them.

The Chairman assured that the investigation process cannot dampen the morale of security operatives because it would ensure justice for all adding that the panel sitting days are Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

On his part, the State's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Gbolahan Adeniran noted that justice is crucial in the fabrics of the society revealing that Governor Dapo Abiodun is interested in the activities of the Panel while assuring that adding that this government would ensure justice for all.