#ENDSARS: How Nigeria can address human rights violations

A series of judicial panels have been set up across Nigeria to address petitions of human rights violations by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, also known as SARS. As these panels begin their public hearings, Nigerians are eagerly awaiting the outcomes. Valentine Utulu, the Managing Partner at Legal Crest, recently appeared on CNBC Africa to discuss how the law can be used to address and prevent such human rights violations by security operatives. Utulu shed light on the challenges faced when seeking justice for these abuses and the systemic issues within Nigeria's legal system that hinder access to justice. One of the major issues highlighted by Utulu is the lengthy process involved in seeking justice through the court system. He noted that filing an action in court can take up to 45 years to be heard, and even after obtaining a judgment, executing monetary awards can be a prolonged battle. This slow and cumbersome process often deters individuals from seeking justice for human rights abuses, ultimately leading to a lack of accountability for security operatives. Utulu emphasized the need to address these systemic issues to ensure that judicial inquiries are not merely symbolic gestures, but effective tools for justice. Utulu also raised concerns about the efficacy of the current judicial panels in delivering justice to victims of police brutality. While the panels may recommend monetary compensation or disciplinary action against the officers involved, there are significant challenges in enforcing these recommendations. He highlighted the legal hurdles faced by victims in realizing judgments against security agencies, particularly the requirement to obtain consent from the attorney general to garnish funds from these agencies. The failure to obtain consent, coupled with the reluctance of agencies to comply with court orders, often leaves victims with mere sheets of paper instead of tangible justice. Moreover, Utulu stressed the need for comprehensive reform to ensure accountability and prevent future human rights abuses by security operatives. He emphasized that setting up commissions of inquiry each time an abuse occurs is not a sustainable solution. Instead, he called for structural reforms to streamline the process of obtaining justice and holding perpetrators accountable. By addressing the systemic barriers within the legal system, Nigeria can move towards a more just and transparent system that upholds human rights for all its citizens. In conclusion, as the judicial panels continue their work across Nigeria, the key takeaway from Utulu's insights is the urgent need for legal reform to address human rights violations effectively. Without tackling the root causes of impunity and inefficiency within the legal system, victims of abuses will continue to face obstacles in seeking justice. The findings and recommendations of these panels must be accompanied by concrete actions to ensure that justice is not only served in the present cases but also in preventing future violations. It is crucial for Nigeria to prioritize legal reforms that enhance access to justice and uphold the rights of all its citizens.