#EndSARS: Lagos implemented Lekki judicial panel report, says Hamzat

Lagos State Deputy Governor and APC gubernatorial candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, has announced that the state government has implemented several recommendations from the judicial panel established to investigate the October 20, 2020 Lekki tollgate incident. Hamzat described the event as a deeply regrettable moment in Lagos' history, acknowledging the loss of public trust and the suffering endured by those affected.

During the Lagos Governorship Debate hosted by a coalition of five media organizations, Hamzat confirmed his role in the administration at the time and acknowledged that he was present in the room when the decision was made. The Lagos State Government established an independent judicial commission to investigate the incident, which submitted its findings and a white paper outlining the recommendations.

The government accepted 11 of the 32 recommendations, modified six, rejected one, and referred 14 to the Federal Government, stating they were beyond its jurisdiction. Consequently, the panel awarded N410 million in compensation to 70 victims of police brutality and other human rights abuses, but the state government disputed the finding that nine individuals were killed during the incident, arguing that the conclusion lacked sufficient evidence and contained inconsistencies.