The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has received reports on #EndSARS panels from sixteen of the twenty-nine states.The panels were established to look into human rights abuses committed by the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other law enforcement agencies, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to NAN, the panel was established by the Federal Government in November 2020, under the leadership of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in response to widespread demonstrations.
This was revealed by NHRC Executive Secretary Anthony Ojukwu in Abuja at a celebration marking three years of the #EndSARS demonstrations and the non-governmental organization Enough is Enough's (EIE) submission of a report.
Ojukwu praised EIE for conducting a study of the demonstration and producing a report. He noted that victims or victims' families received compensation totaling more than N530 million.
"This is a very important step that EIE has taken to commemorate the 2020 #EndSARS protest," he stated. It is an endeavor to sustain the #EndSARS movement. Approximately 29 states established panels, and the NHRC became an automatic member. The commission also established an independent investigative panel in Abuja.
"EIE has made significant progress in assembling this report today. I implore the states who have not yet turned in their reports to do so, as the effort is focused on reforming the police. After the remaining sixteen states submit theirs, the panel will conduct a thorough investigation and report.
Additionally, Chino Obiagwu, a senior advocate in Nigeria, stated: "There were over 6,000 petitions, mostly from the poor, calling for justice." Later, these decided not to publish or withdraw their petitions out of concern for police retaliation.
"The #EndSARS demonstration taught us nothing. The fact that the Nigerian Police were not called to order has given them more confidence. The purpose of the demonstration was lost on the populace. The indicted police officers were not prosecuted.
He advocated for investigations into police violations of human rights and the punishment of all charged personnel.
Speaking of judgment debts against the government, Obiagwu continued, "The funds ought to be taken out of the budget of the department that created the issue, so that those responsible can feel accountable."
A revision of the curriculum in police training institutions is necessary. Officers should regularly participate in best practices training provided by the NHRC, the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector General of Police.