Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that plans by Federal and State governments to investigate police brutality and prosecute erring police officers, create new state-based Security and Human Rights Committees, and provide compensation to victims of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police units would be a game-changer in ensuring an end to impunity.
Osinbajo stated this when he received United States of America’s delegation including Assistant Secretary of Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Bob Destro; Assistant Secretary of Bureau for Conflict Stabilization Operations, Denise Natali; the Counselor of the US Department of State, Thomas Ulrich Brechbuhl; and the Charge d’Affairs, US Embassy, Kathleen FitzGibbon, at the at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He said at least 13 states in the country including have since established Judicial Panels to seek justice and compensation to those whose rights have been breached.
While responding to the concerns of the US government on instances of impunity in the country, the Vice President said the efforts were part of government’s commitment to implement extensive police reforms.
He said the establishment of Judicial Panels of Inquiry nationwide would further ensure that the police and other security agencies ensure the protection of human rights of citizens.
