#ENDSARS: 6 states institute judicial panels

Six states in Nigeria have recently inaugurated judicial panels on police brutality in response to the #ENDSARS protests. The move follows a directive by the Nigeria Economic Council, instructing all state governors to take charge of these panels. These panels aim to address human rights violations and bring justice to victims of police brutality. As the country grapples with restoring trust and transparency in the justice system, there are concerns about accountability and ensuring that perpetrators are held responsible for their actions. Valentine Utulu, a Managing Partner at Legal Crest, shed light on the importance of these judicial panels. He emphasized that the power to establish such panels lies with the governors of each state. States like Lagos and Edo have already taken this step, recognizing the need for accountability in addressing police misconduct. Despite the panels not having the authority to punish offenders, they play a crucial role in recommending legal action and seeking justice through the regular court system. The involvement of states in prosecuting crimes like murder, extortion, and robbery showcases a shift in responsibilities from the federal to the state level. This shift highlights the need for a collaborative approach between federal and state authorities to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. The state high courts serve as the designated venues for trials, underscoring the significance of local jurisdictions in addressing police misconduct cases. Utulu also stressed the importance of building back trust through transparent and accountable processes. Given the widespread human rights violations across the country, the establishment of judicial panels serves as a crucial step towards restoring faith in the justice system. Victims and their families are encouraged to come forward with evidence to hold accountable those responsible for the atrocities committed. However, concerns remain regarding the need for transparency and preventing loopholes that could result in perpetrators evading justice. The lack of trust in the government's ability to address police misconduct continues to fuel skepticism among the populace. Ensuring that accused officers remain in custody and face trial without interference is essential to rebuilding public confidence in the judicial process. In light of ongoing protests and demands for accountability, the onus is on the government to demonstrate a commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable. The success of these judicial panels in delivering justice will be closely monitored by civil society organizations and the international community, as Nigeria navigates a critical juncture in its quest for justice and accountability.