This is a report of the first public hearing of the Oyo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry into Police Brutality, Violation of Rights of Citizens and Unlawful Killings in Oyo State.
Venue: The House of Chiefs, Oyo State House of Assembly, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021.
Names of Panelists at the Oyo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry
- Hon Justice B. O. Adeniji- Chairperson of the panel
- Mr H. T. Salami- The Secretary of the panel
- Mrs O. O. Ogundele-Counsel to the panel
- Hon B. Oduyoye
- Miss B. Badmus
- Mr S. Falowo
- Mrs W. F. Odutayo
- Mr M. O. Sulaimon
- Prof J. O. O. Akintayo
- Mr M. Y. Kolawole
- Miss O. Akintayo
- Mrs A. Adeja
The first public sitting of the Oyo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry into Police Brutality, Violation of Rights of Citizens and Unlawful Killings in Oyo State, kicked off at exactly 9:30am with the rendering of the national anthem, Oyo State anthem, and an opening prayer.
In the opening address of the Chairperson of the Oyo State Judicial Panel, Hon Justice B. O. Adeniji, she said the panel consists of men and women of proven integrity, probity, honesty as well as willingness to dispense justice without fear or favour no matter whose ox is gored. She further implored all players in the field to be prepared to handle the petitions with diligence as the panel has limited time within which they are expected to submit the report to the government for consideration and implementation. In conclusion, she warned the petitioners and respondents against attempting to influence members of the panel in any form. She also appealed to members of the press to stick to the facts when publishing the panel’s proceedings.
Also, present at the sitting was the representative of the Nigerian Bar Association in Oyo State, Mr Yinka Esan. Mr Esan noted in his address that the body is ready to provide pro bono services to members of the public who are desirous of presenting petitions but do not have the technical and financial means to achieve that goal. He further stated that the members of the body are also on ground to serve as observers during the sitting in order to ensure the rule of law is upheld. He concluded by urging the Oyo State Judicial Panel to carefully evaluate the evidences submitted by the petitioners and also ensure that compensation and other remedial measures are recommended when necessary.
Right after his address, Hon. Justice Adeniji declared the public hearing of the Oyo State Judicial Panel open and the proceedings began in earnest.
Cases at the Oyo State Judicial Panel
1. Case No. OYJPPB/001
The families of Jimoh Isiaq, Ganiu Moshood, Taiwo Adeoye and Pelumi Olatunji v Nigeria Police Area Command, Owode, Ogbomoso. The petitioners and the respondent were absent.
Therefore, the case was adjourned by the Oyo State Judicial Panel till February 9, 2021 for mention.
2. Case No. OYJPPB/002
Olabamiji T. Femi v Unknown Hoodlums. The petitioner was present for the case mention.
The Oyo State Judicial Panel adjourned the case till February 2, 2021 for definite hearing.
3. Case No. OYJPPB/003
The New Covenant Church v Unknown Hoodlums. The petitioner was absent.
The Oyo State Judicial Panel adjourned the case till February 2, 2021 for mention.
4. Case No. OYJPPB/004
NSCDC v Unknown Hoodlums. The petitioner was represented by K.O Babatunde (Esq.).
The case was adjourned by the Oyo State Judicial Panel till February 9, 2021 for definite hearing.
5. Case No. OYJPPB/005
Residents/Offices/Shop Owners at Odooye Konike Area v Unknown Hoodlums. The petitioners were absent.
The case was adjourned by the Oyo State Judicial Panel till February 9, 2021 for mention.
6. Case No. OYJPPB/006
F. O. Ibikunle v Unknown Hoodlums. The petitioner was present.
The case was adjourned by the Oyo State Judicial Panel till February 2, 2021 for definite hearing.
7. Case No. OYJPPB/007
Olayiwola Oyedokun v Nigeria Police (Bodija Police Station and Iyana Ofa Police Station). The petitioner was represented by Mr Abiodun Akinmoyo and B. O. Olatunji (Esq.). Fresh copies of petitions were made available before the sitting.
The Oyo State Judicial Panel adjourned the case till February 2, 2021.
8. Case No. OYJPPB/008
Idris Solola v Nigeria Police Ogbomoso Command. The petitioner was present for the case mention.
Therefore, the case has been adjourned by the Oyo State Judicial Panel till February 10, 2021.
9. Case No. OYJPPB/009
Barr. Babatunde Lawal v Inspector General of Police. The petitioner was represented by Afolabi Ariyo (Esq.).
The case was adjourned by the Oyo State Judicial Panel till February 3, 2021 for definite hearing.
10. Case No. OYJPPB/010
Lance Corporal Adebayo Samuel Adeboyejo v Nigeria Police. The petitioner was represented by C. M. Wanche.
The Oyo State Judicial Panel adjourned the case till February 10, 2021.
Having examined the cases brought before the Oyo State Judicial Panel today, Hon. Justice Adeniji expressed displeasure about the attitude of the Nigeria Police Force as no representative was sent though they had been invited prior to the sitting. She further stated that nobody is above the law of the Federal or State Government and then concluded that letters will be written to the respondents afresh to summon them for the hearing of the cases adjourned.
With this, the proceedings for today were brought to a close at about 10:43 AM.