The Ekiti State government on Monday presented a cheque of N7.4 million to 24 victims of police brutality in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests in the state.
Governor Kayode Fayemi who presented the cheques of over seven million naira in total at his office in Ado Editi, said his administration remains committed to ensuring justice is ensured and enhanced in good time.
“Given the seriousness of the situation our administration decided not to wait until the end of the six months tenure of the panel before we begin to implement some of its recommendations,” Governor Fayemi said.
The Governor also apologised to the victims for the pains and losses recorded, adding that beyond the compensations, institutions must be strengthened for rights to be enhanced and protected.
“We have identified three major intervention areas in this regard. These are law reform, policy change, and institutional strengthening. My administration recognizes that enforcing the right of victims requires efficient institutions without which our laws and policies may not be sustained,” Fayemi noted.
The Chairman of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and Other Matters, Justice Christopher Akintayo, explained that some of the compensations go beyond monetary offers as some victims are recommended for employment based on their peculiar cases.
Akintayo stated that police officers were also on the compensation list as some fell victims of the #EndSARS protests.
On October 20, 2020, many Nigerians took to the streets in various cities to protest against police brutality, while calling for the disbandment of the now defunct Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
In line with a presidential directive following the #EndSARS protests, Ekiti — like other states — had set up a judicial panel to probe police brutality and other related human rights violations during the protests.
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