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Ekiti To Pay N13.8m Compensation To 28 ENDSARS Victims

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Ekiti To Pay N13.8m Compensation To 28 ENDSARS Victims
Justice Akintayo presenting the final report of the committee to Governor Kayode Fayemi in Ado-Ekiti...on Friday

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi on Friday received the final report from the State Judicial Panel of Inquiry into allegations of human rights violation against police officers including officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other persons with an assurance that his government would implement the decisions of the panel to the letter.

This came barely two months after the government paid compensation to the first batch of 24 victims as recommended by the panel.

The governor, while receiving the report from the Chairman of the Panel, Justice C.I. Akintayo at the conference hall of the Governor’s office, Ado – Ekiti, noted that the outcome of the report was an opportunity for government to further strengthen its intervention in the promotion and protection of human rights in Ekiti State.

He added that the report would enable the government to re-assess measures in place to prevent all forms of extra-judicial conduct by law enforcement agencies and examine whether existing remedial measures within government structures are adequate, effective and efficient.

READ ALSO: Supreme Court Nullifies Makinde’s Sacking Of Oyo Council Chiefs

The hovernor promised to fast-track the payment of compensation to the 28 victims of police brutality as recommended by the panel even as he announced the establishment of a Citizens Complaints Centre to allow citizens of the state lodge their complaints and grievances for necessary government intervention.

While acceding to the fact that human rights violations may always occur in law enforcement, the governor expressed the readiness of his administration to always put machinery in motion to respond speedily to such violations when they occur.

Dr Fayemi used the opportunity to publicly apologize to all the victims of rights violations in the state and hoped that the steps taken so far would ameliorate what they have suffered psychologically and physically.

The governor also constituted a seven-man implementation committee, headed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Olawale Fapohunda to oversee the implementation process and ensure that it commences immediately. The committee was given four weeks to submit its report.

The governor said: “Our prompt payment of compensations to these victims was borne out of our desire to ensure that they are given the opportunity to immediately begin to rebuild their lives. The cases of additional persons recommended for the award of compensation will also be given the same speedy consideration.

“Concerning the need for more visibility in public spaces, I am today pleased to announce the establishment of a Citizens Complaints Centre in the newly completed Oja-oba facility. This centre, when fully functional, will provide an additional place for citizens to report their complaints and grievances that will result in an immediate and appropriate government response.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Justice Cornelius Akintayo (rtd) revealed that the panel received a total 85 petitions out of which awards were given in 50 of the cases involving various allegations ranging from loss of lives to physical injury, trauma and loss of property.

Justice Akintayo commended the state government for the prompt payment of the first tranche of compensation to 24 beneficiaries to the tune of over seven million naira before the panel concluded its assignment and hoped that the remaining recommendations of 28 beneficiaries to the tune of 13.8 million naira would be addressed and paid soon.

Also at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, the Head of Service, Mrs Peju Babafemi, the Chairman, Ekiti state Council of traditional rulers, the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, the service chiefs and other members of the panel.

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BREAKING:Lagos Govt Arraigns Chrisland School, Principal, Others Over Death Of Pupil Whitney Adeniran

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Chrisland pupil Whitney

The Lagos State government has arraigned Chrisland School, Opebi, its principal, vice principal and two other employees over the death of one of the school’s pupils, 12-year-old Whitney Adeniran.

On Wednesday, the government of Lagos State had filed charges against Chrisland School and four others over the death of the 12-year-old pupil, Whitney Adeniran.

The school and its workers were accused of involuntary manslaughter and reckless and negligent acts.

The workers who were arraigned before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja include Ademoye Adewale, Kuku Fatai, Mrs Belinda Amao, Nwatu Ugochi Victoria and Chrisland School Limited.

The school principal, Mrs Belinda Amao, broke down in tears while in the dock as the court and counsel tried to agree on a date for the commencement of the trial.

Whitney died during the school’s inter-house sports competition at Agege Stadium in Lagos on February 9.

Blessing Adeniran, her mother, had accused Chrisland of negligence over her daughter’s death.

The school’s management, however, dismissed insinuations that there was foul play in the death, saying she slumped in public.

Chrisland also argued that Whitney complained about “not-too-buoyant health” a few days before she died.

However, an autopsy conducted at the Lagos State University Hospital (LASUTH) confirmed that the deceased died from “asphyxia and electrocution”.

In the charges filed on behalf of the state government by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Babajide Martins, who disclosed that their negligence killed Whitney because they failed to ensure her safety.

The charge also disclosed that they all acted in a reckless and negligent manner that endangered human life.

The offences are contrary to Sections 224 & 251 of the Criminal Law, C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015

If found guilty, the offences carry a penalty of life imprisonment and two-year jail terms respectively.

On Tuesday, the state government granted access to Chrisland High School, Opebi branch, to open for physical learning ahead of the school’s forthcoming examination after parents’ appeal.

The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had ordered that the school be shut down on March 3, 2023, following the investigation into Whitney’s death.

Sanwo-Olu through the state Ministry of Education said the closure of the school would pave the way for unhindered investigation and afford all stakeholders, including parents, students, staff and friends of the deceased, time to grieve.

The reopening followed an appeal by the Parents of all Chrisland School Units who visited the Ministry of Education on Monday to seek the government’s understanding for “the sake of 500 plus students some of whom also have terminal examinations.”

The management of the school had tendered an apology over Whitney’s death.

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BREAKING: Abacha’s Ex-chief Of Staff Oladipo Diya Dies

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Diya

Retired Lt.General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya, the former Chief of Staff in General Sani Abacha’s military government, is dead.

His death was confirmed by Prince Oyesinmilola Diya. He said the former military administrator of Ogun State passed on to glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023.

Born on the 3rd of April, 1944, Diya was military Governor of Ogun State after the Buhari-Idiagbon coup of December 31st, 1983.

Diya joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and fought during the Nigerian Civil War.

He later attended the US Army School of Infantry, the Command and Staff College, Jaji (1980–1981) and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.

While serving in the military, Diya studied law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained an LLB degree, and then at the Nigerian Law School, where he was called to bar as Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

He held other top military posts like GOC, 82 Division and finally the Chief of General Staff (military Vice President) to Gen Sani Abacha

The statement read: “On behalf of the entire Diya family home and abroad; we announce the passing on to Glory of our dear Husband,Father, Grandfather,brother, Lt- General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (Rtd) GCON, LLB, BL, PSC, FSS, mni.

“Our dear Daddy passed onto glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023. Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.

“Barrister Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, on behalf of the family.”

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Breaking: Appeal Court Retains Adeleke As Osun Governor

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BREAKING: Adeleke Freezes Osun Accounts , Reverses Appointments After Swearing In As Governor
Governor Adeleke

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has vacated the tribunal judgement that nullified the election of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

The appellate court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of Justices, on Friday held that the appeal Adeleke lodged to challenge his sack by the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, was meritorious.

Aside from setting aside the judgement of the tribunal, the court, in its lead judgement that was delivered by Justice Mohammed Lawal, awarded N500, 000 cost against the All Progressive Congress, APC, and its candidate, Gboyega Oyetola

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