Connect with us

NEWS

LAGOS ENDSARS PANEL REPORT: No Massacre at Lekki Toll Gate, FG Insists

Published

on

Share

The Federal Government insisted yesterday that there was no massacre at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, contrary to the report of the panel set up by the Lagos State Government to investigate the incident which took place on October 20, 2020.

The Minister of Information & Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who stated this yesterday in response to the panel’s report, also described the report as a sham, arguing that the numerous errors, inconsistencies, discrepancies and omissions had rendered it a fable.

Mohammed, who spoke for the first time since the report was released on November 15, 2021, while he was away in Paris on official assignment, said the report is also questionable since its conclusions were not backed by any evidence.

He equally questioned the panel for ignoring the 57 innocent Nigerians, 37 policemen and six soldiers killed during the protests, wondering whether they were not Nigerians who deserved to be protected and defended. 

Mohammed expressed disappointment that the panel threw away key ballistic expert testimony that soldiers did not use live-grade weapons on protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate but concluded without evidence that soldiers killed the protesters with weapons.

He also faulted the panel for contradicting  itself by accepting the submission of a pathologist, Professor John Obafunwa, that only three of the bodies on which post-mortem were conducted were from Lekki and that only one had gunshot injury but went on to conclude that nine persons died of gunshot wounds at Lekki Toll Gate.

‘Panel report riddled with errors, speculations’

For these, Mohammed said: “Let me say that never in the history of  any judicial panel in this country has its report been riddled with so many errors, inconsistencies, discrepancies,

“What is circulating in public space is simply a rehash of the unverified fake news that has been playing on social media since the incident of October 20, 2020.

“It is simply incredible that a judicial panel set up to investigate an incident has submitted a report laden with allegations,  the same allegations it was set up to investigate in the first  instance.

“Instead of sitting for all of one year, the panel could have just compiled social media ‘tales by moonlight’ on the incident and submitted, saving taxpayers’ funds and everyone’s time. That report is nothing but the triumph of fake news and the intimidation of a silent majority by a vociferous lynch mob.

“It is clear from the ongoing that the report of the panel in circulation cannot be relied upon because its authenticity is in doubt. Besides, the Lagos State government, being the convening authority, is yet to release any official report to the public. Neither has the panel done so.

“The cowardly leakage of an unsigned report to the public is not enough. Assuming the report in circulation bears any iota of genuineness, it is basic knowledge that the report of such a panel is of no force until the convening authority issues a  White Paper and Gazette on it.

“It is, therefore, too premature for any person or entity to seek to castigate the Federal Government and its agencies or officials based on such an unofficial and unvalidated report.

‘No massacrein Lekki’

“There is absolutely nothing in the report that is circulating to make us change our stand that there was no massacre at Lekki on October 20, 2020. For us to change our stand, a well-investigated report of the incident that meets all required

standards and will withstand every scrutiny must be produced and presented to the public. “The report in circulation does not meet those requirements. We also appeal to the families of those allegedly killed in Lekki to speak out. It’s untenable to say  some families did not come out because they are afraid. Any parent who is afraid to testify about the death of his or her child is not worth to be called a parent.

“We reject the notion that our soldiers and policemen massacred innocent Nigerians at Lekki on October 20, 2020. That conclusion is not supported by the weight of available evidence. Indictment for murder is a very serious issue that cannot be done on the basis of allegations and corroborations, as the panel did.

‘Report calculated to embarrass FG’

“Such allegations must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. The report in circulation is calculated to embarrass the Federal Government and its agencies without foolproof evidence. 

“The Federal Government has never condoned the abuse of the rights of Nigerians by security agencies under any guise; hence it disbanded SARS and encouraged states to set up the panels to investigate reports of human rights abuses allegedly committed by the disbanded SARS’ personnel.

‘’The 37 policemen and six soldiers who died across the country during the #EndSARS protest are also Nigerians and should not be forgotten. Those who have engaged in premature celebration of the report in circulation should now go back and read it thoroughly and tell Nigerians whether it can pass any serious scrutiny.

“We have read some critical analysis of the report by a courageous few. One commentator, a lawyer, said it raised more questions than answers. Another commentator, a journalist, called it a ‘disgraceful report by a disgraceful panel’, saying it reported allegations instead of investigating the allegations. VN

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NEWS

Police Say at Criminal Responsibility Age, Individuals must be Answerable for Their Actions

Published

on

Share

The Nigeria Police Force says individuals who have attained the age of criminal responsibility must be answerable for their actions, regardless of biological age.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja said the provision was very clear under the Nigerian law.

He said the provision was in line with global practices, where accountability was upheld for young individuals who commit serious offenses.

Adejobi said the clarification followed public opinion over the arraignment of 76 alleged minors over terrorism, arson and treasonable felony by the Nigeria Police.

According to him, in managing the detention and arraignment of these suspects, the Nigeria Police has rigorously adhered to legal provisions to ensure fairness and accountability under the rule of law.

He said the suspects were initially presented in court, where they were formally charged, with a remand order issued by the court.

“Throughout this process, the police have worked to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that each suspect’s basic rights and privileges are respected, including access to medical care and other necessary provisions.

“An unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint on Oct. 1, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to draw negative attention.

“Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face.

“While committed to upholding justice, the Nigeria Police Force remains sensitive to the rights of all individuals, including young persons,” he said.

According to him, as seen in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, age does not exempt individuals from facing legal consequences.

He said the Nigeria Police was aware of public interest in the case and assured that its officers would maintain professionalism throughout the legal process.

Adejobi enjoined the public to view the case without undue bias, adding that the force remains focused on a transparent pursuit of justice.

He said the force would remain committed to aligning with best practices, upholding both the rule of law and respect for human dignity. (NAN)

Continue Reading

Education

Bells Varsity Honours 91 Students with First Class at 16th Convocation

Published

on

Share

Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun,  on Saturday awarded 91 students of the institution  First Class (Honours) at its 16th Convocation Ceremonies.

The convocation ceremonies are for the 2023/2024 academic session.

Ojediran said that a total of 969 students graduated in the  academic session.

He said that they comprised the 91 students who made First Class grade, 505 who secured  Second Class (Upper Division), 313 with Second Class (Lower Division) and 60 graduating with Third Class.

The vice-chancellor said that 220 students were graduating in the post-graduate category.

Mr Sally Farouk  from the university’s Department of Architecture emerged the overall best  student with  a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.

94, according to Ojediran. 

He said that the institution set out to proffer best solutions from collective knowledge, shared experiences and resources, recognising that education was a lifelong activity.

The vice-chancellor lauded the staff of the university for cooperation and dedication to giving the students  quality education.

“You have joined  hands with the management of the institution to work on this fertile ground,” he  said.

The Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Bart Nnaji, said that university was the first private university of technology in Nigeria, noting that it was established in 2005.

Nnaji said that the institution had made remarkable achievements in teaching and research as part of its vision to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria.

“Let me also congratulate the graduating students who have distinguished themselves through their hard work and discipline and are being rewarded today.” he said.

In his remarks, the Chancellor of the institution, Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo, commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for contributions to education development in the country.

Dankwambo also congratulated a former Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Peter Okebukola, and the Executive Director of Sahara Group, Mr Temitope Shonubi, for  honorary doctoral degree given them by the university.

Report says that Okebukola and Shonubi were conferred with the degree for their outstanding pedigrees  and services to humanity. (NAN)

Continue Reading

NEWS

Endbadgovernance protest: Suspects not in Custody of NCoS, -Says Spokesman

Published

on

Share

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has said that  suspects arrested during the #Endbadgovernance protest in August 2024 were not remanded in any of its adult custodial centres in Abuja.

The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) Abubakar Umar confirmed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

our correspondent gathered that the suspects arrested for treason during the #Endbadgovernance protest that held in August 2024, were on Friday, arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.

Umar said that there were misleading reports making the rounds in some sections of the media purporting that the suspects were remanded in one of the adult custodial centres in Abuja.

According to the NCoS spokesman, the said report has no iota of truth.

”The service operates under the best correctional and global practices.

“To set records straight, the NCoS Act 2019 has empowered the Controllers of Corrections as well as Superintendents-in-charge of Custodial Centres not to admit juveniles in facilities meant for adults.

“The Act also mandates the service to reject more intake of inmates where it is apparent that the custodial facility in question is filled to capacity.

“The service wishes to inform the public that the said suspects were rejected and none of them were remanded in adult custodial facilities as insinuated by the said report.

“The service  assures the public that NCoS will continue to emphasise professionalism as well as respect for human rights in line with the United Nations Minimum Standard Rules for the Treatment of Juvenile offenders.

“Furthermore, the general public is enjoined to disregard the said report because it is not the true position of things,”he said.(NAN)

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

NEWS5 hours ago

Police Say at Criminal Responsibility Age, Individuals must be Answerable for Their Actions

Share The Nigeria Police Force says individuals who have attained the age of criminal responsibility must be answerable for their...

Education5 hours ago

Bells Varsity Honours 91 Students with First Class at 16th Convocation

Share Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun,  on Saturday awarded 91 students of the institution  First Class (Honours) at its...

POLITICS5 hours ago

Lagos PDP will Find Bearing after State Congresses — Chieftain

Share A Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, says the state chapter of...

NEWS5 hours ago

Endbadgovernance protest: Suspects not in Custody of NCoS, -Says Spokesman

ShareThe Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has said that  suspects arrested during the #Endbadgovernance protest in August 2024 were not remanded...

NEWS5 hours ago

FG Releases Funds for Payment of NASU, Retirees’ Entitlements

ShareThe Federal Government has released funds for payment of withheld salary of Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU). Mr...

DEFENCE5 hours ago

Troops Nab Wanted Terrorist, Habu Dogo, 7 IPOB/ESN Terrorists

Share The Defence Headquarters says the Nigerian troops have in the last one week apprehended a notorious terrorist leader, Abubakar...

NEWS6 hours ago

Nigeria Needs to Construct more Dams to Control Flooding- FG Committee

Share The Director of Dams and Reservoirs Operations in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Ali Dala, has called for...

NEWS6 hours ago

NCC Raids Bookshops in Uyo, Seizes Pirated Books Worth N23m

Share The Nigerian Copyright Commission on Saturday raided several bookshops selling pirated books in Uyo and seized books worth N23.1...

POLITICS13 hours ago

Rivers APC Chair Proffers Solution to State Political Crisis

Share Caretaker Committee Chairman of APC in Rivers, Chief Tony Okocha, says unless Gov. Siminalayi Fubara abides by the law,...

NEWS13 hours ago

Police Neutralise 6 Hoodlums, Recover Firearms in Bauchi 

Share The Police Command in Bauchi State, says it has neutralised six hoodlums in a crackdown against criminal elements in...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc