The Lagos State Police Command has challenged anyone who was attacked after appearing before the Judicial Panel of Inquiry set up by the Lagos State Government to probe the October 20, 2020 incident at Lekki tollgate and other acts of police brutality to come forward.
The challenge was thrown following the allegation by Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) that a witness at the panel was attacked.
Adegboruwa had also alleged that his life was being threatened by agents of the Lagos State Government after the submission of the panel’s report to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, by the Chairman, Justice Doris Okuwobi.
In a statement on Tuesday by its spokesman, Adekunle Ajisebutu, the Lagos State Police Command said: “Attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to an allegation going on in the media that a witness who testified at the just-concluded Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS-Related Abuses and other Matters was attacked recently by yet-to-be-identified persons.
“It is the statutory duty of the Lagos State Police Command to protect lives and property, apprehend and prosecute offenders, among other duties. The police WILL NOT abdicate these important duties even in the face of daunting challenges.
“Therefore, the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, wishes to encourage anyone who has been physically attacked for whatever reason in any part of the state to lodge a formal complaint at the nearest police station where the incident allegedly took place. This is to enable the police take appropriate action by diligently investigating and prosecuting the case.
“The Commissioner of Police hereby reiterates the Command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property of all residents of the state irrespective of their status.”