Nigerian Army pulls out of Lagos #EndSARS panel
The Nigerian Army has pulled out of the Lagos State Judicial Panel as more evidence resurfaces confirming that Nigerian soldiers opened fire on peaceful protesters last October.
Making the development known to the Judicial Panel on Saturday, S.N. Agwhe, a member of army counsel to the panel, revealed that the military disbanded its legal team for the panel.
Mr. Agwhe, who appeared before the panel on behalf of the army legal team, revealed that the job of the army counsel finished on November 21.
“We do not have any further mandate to represent the army in any subsequent proceedings,” Mr. Agwhe told the panel.
He reminded the panel that Akinlolu Kehinde, head of the army legal team, had earlier submitted a memo notifying the panel of the decision.
The last hearing on January 23 was the third time in a row that the army and its counsel failed to appear before the panel.
However, the panel chairman Dorris Okuwobi, a retired judge, warned that the army would not be able to claim denial of fair hearing when the panel submits its findings to the government.
This development comes after Reddington Hospital testified to treating victims from the #EndSARS protest with bullet wounds on October 20, 21 and 22.
The army was summoned before the judicial panel of inquiry after petitioners alleged that soldiers opened fire at peaceful protesters, killing and injuring several protesters.
The Nigerian Army reluctantly admitted being at the scene of the Lekki shootings after initial denials. still, it denied opening fire on the protesters who were sitting on the floor, singing the national anthem and waving the Nigerian flag.
In its defence, the army claimed that soldiers were sent out to enforce curfew but didn’t open fire on peaceful protesters.
The attack on the peaceful protesters was carried out by officers identified to be of Nigerian Army 81 Division, Lagos.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Court remands man for alleged armed robbery
The prosecutor said that the complainant’s mobile phones were eventually tracked to the suspect.
NationWide
Fire breaks out at MMIA, flight operations diverted to D-Wing
Mrs Orah said that efforts to ventilate the smoke from the building were in progress.
States
Alleged Money Laundering: Judge’s absence stalls ex-governor Fayose’s trial
The ex-governor’s trial will continue on the next adjourned date.
NationWide
Bonny-Bodo Road: FG dangles additional N20 billion before Julius Berger
“No contractor will dictate to this ministry.’’
Showbiz
NANTA engages 400 travel agents to market Badagry tourism sites
“This is our way of showcasing Lagos as a preferred tourist destination.’’
Education
UNICROSS alumni begin legal battle for governing council’s dissolution
The alumni accused the council of pressurising the finances of the institution.