Lekki Massacre: NBA Commends Lagos #EndSARS Panel

The Benin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Wednesday commended the Lagos State Judicial Panel on EndSARS for its report on the Lekki Massacre.

The body expressed its commendation in a statement signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Messrs Pius Oiwoh and Andrew Lawani respectively.

Recall that the Lagos State Judicial Panel on EndSARS on Monday submitted its report to the Lagos State Government.

The panel was inaugurated on October. 19, 2020, to look into citizens’ complaints of rights abuses by operatives of the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The panel, led by Justice Doris Okuwobi, sat for over a year, listening to testimonies of petitioners, witnesses, experts, and lawyers.

Reacting to the report, the NBA said, “The NBA Benin Bar welcomes the report of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on restitution for victims of SARS-related abuses and other matters.

“We salute the retired Justice Doris Okuwobi-led panel for the courage, activism, and doggedness which it displayed in coming up with an all-encompassing report.

“Members of the panel have written their names in gold.

“We also extend special commendation to our colleagues who appeared for many of the victims and many of them did this on pro-bono terms; they have displayed the finest traditions for which the Bar is known.

“The Lagos panel has made far-reaching findings and recommendations which enjoy wide acceptance.

“We hope the panel set up by the governor of Lagos State will come up with a Whitepaper speedily so as to give effect to the recommendations of the panel.

“We hope also that the content of the Lagos report would serve as a lesson to all,’’ it stated.