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#EndSARS: Ondo Panel Holds Maiden Sitting, Receives 32 Petitions

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The Ondo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on police brutality and abuse of human rights by security operatives has said it has received 32 petitions from the public.

Chairman of the nine-man panel, Justice Adeola Sadiq (Rtd) disclosed this on Thursday during the maiden sitting of the panel at Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Akure, the state capital.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on October 20, constituted the panel following reported cases of violation of human rights by the disbanded SARS operatives.

According to Justice Sadiq, aside from petitions against police operatives, the panel’s scope of work is also expected to cover petitions on vandalism of properties and abuse of fundamental rights during the End SARS protests.

Also Read: #EndSARS: Police Face Strong Accusations Of Employing ‘Delay Tactics’

The Chairman said the panel will evaluate the evidence presented and other surrounding circumstances, as to the validity of the complaints, and recommend compensations and other remedial measures where appropriate, among others.

While assuring that the panel will be transparent in the course of its assignment, Justice Sadiq emphasized that the panel will still be available to receive more petitions from aggrieved members of the public to ensure that everyone gets justice.

Justice Sadiq added that the panel will be sitting only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and that the sittings will last for a duration of six months.