The Independent Investigative Panel on Special Anti-Robbery Squad IIP-SARS through National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, today 14th Wednesday,2022 awarded a sum of N 287million compensation to 74 victims of police brutality.
The IIP-SARS was set up by the Federal Government in November 2020 following the “ENDSARS Protest” which was triggered by nationwide allegations of Police brutality.
The panel under the supervision of National Human Rights Commission NHRC conducted public hearing/investigation on violations of human rights by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, and other police units.
While speaking, the Chairman of NHRC Governing Board,Dr Salamatu Hussein Suleiman commended Justice Suleiman Galadima led IIP-SARS for their dedication in the last two years which has seen the panel hearing 294 petitions and decisions rendered on 292 cases .
“This is unprecedent in the annals of human rights enforcement in Nigeria and we are proud as a commission to be associated with this important fear
My Lord ladies and gentlemen also unprecedent is the fact that the National Human Rights Commission is going to award today the sum of N 289,384,094(Two Hundred and Eight nine million, Three hundred and ninety four thousand and eighty:-nine million naira only)as compensation to 84 beneficiaries and victims of human rights violations.This brings to four hundred and thirty-one million , eight hundred and eighty four thousand and ninety-four naira only) the total sum already paid to 94 beneficiaries under the IIP-SARS panel”Dr Salamatu Suleiman said.
Dr Salamatu also lauded the petitioners for their belief in the human rights mechanism of Nigeria.She also commended the executive and the National Assembly for their support.
She then assured that the commission will continue to protect the rights of every Nigerian.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission Barr Tony Ojukwu SAN in his remarks described the occasion as very significant in many respective.
He said”The mandate of the commission is to make sure rights of all of us is protected.
”We want to elevate the protection of human rights, those whose rights are violated are compensated and the violators recommended for punishment.
”Today, in fulfilment of the government to ensure that where there is violations, there is remedy we are sorry,” he said.
“The amount awarded today cannot solve all the problems but it is symbolic.”
Ojukwu therefore appealed to members of the public not to take laws into their hands, said the compensation received today was an indication that Nigeria is moving forward.
Also, in his speech, the Chairman of the IIP-SARS ,Justice Suleiman Galadima Rtd, thanked NHRC and members of the panel for their commitments through out the two- year period the panel assignment lasted..
In his presentation,the Secretary of the panel, Hillary Ogbona said the final report of the panel will be forwarded to Nigeria Police and other relevant agencies for necessary actions against the perpetrators.
Hilary Ogbonna also gave the breakdown of the beneficiaries as ;25 for extra judicial killing, 4 enforced disappearance, 24 , torture case, 16 prolonged detention and 4 confiscation of properties..
He said”the panel handed a total of 297 petitions across Nigeria.
”We have made decisions in all but two, a lot of the incidence happened without records and the panel have been diligent..
The highlight of the event was the presentation of doomy cheques to the beneficiaries
Recall that NHRC on 23rd December, 2021 awarded N146million compensation to 26 beneficiaries aa first batch.
The beneficiaries expressed excitement over the compensation and also thanked the NHRC and members of IIP-SARS for a thorough job
