EndSARS: Controversy as panel members, govt clash over alleged technicalities, discrepancies in report - Newstrends
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EndSARS: Controversy as panel members, govt clash over alleged technicalities, discrepancies in report

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The leaked report by the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution on Lekki Toll Gate Shooting Incident and Cases of Police Brutality as well as human rights violations, is currently generating controversy across the country.

DAILY POST reports that the panel which was set up by the state government to investigate the allegations of killings at the Lekki Tollgate during the EndSARS protest in October 20, 2020, submitted its report to the state government on Monday, October 15.

The 309-page report which went on circulation since Monday has indicted the Nigerian Army and the Police of being responsible for the death of protesters at the Lekki Tollgate, admitting that there was a massacre.

The report has, however, generated controversies from concerned Nigerians who called out the presidency over its constant claim that there was no such killings by the Nigerian army and the police.

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Many stakeholders have lambasted President Muhammadu Buhari over the content of the report, accusing him of masterminding the massacre of the Nigerian youths who were protesting against extrajudicial killings by the police particularly the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.

DAILY POST recalls that a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, upon sighting the report, swiftly issued a petition on the change.org platform against the president, saying Buhari ordered the shooting which led to the death of unspecified Nigerian youths.

Following the report which is currently being studied by the Lagos State government, the former presidential aide petitioned Buhari for allegedly ordering the Lekki shooting.

As of 8pm on Friday when DAILY POST visited the website, it was observed that about 86, 000 Nigerians have signed the petition which is directed to the International Criminal Court – ICC, to prosecute the President over the allegations.

According to Omokri, the petition will be submitted to the President of the ICC, Piotr Hofmański after it receives hundred thousand (100,000) signatures.

He said, “By the grace of God, Buhari will retire to prison in 2023 and all future Presidents will see that there is a consequence to the mass murder of Nigerians by the state.”

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DAILY POST also recalls that Anthony Ehilebo, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Director of New Media, on Thursday called for the sack of Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, over the EndSARS panel report.

Ehilebo who expressed anger over the controversy surrounding the Lekki shooting and the findings of the panel, also called for the immediate removal of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai’s immunity to expose him to the wrath of the law.

It could be recalled that the Benin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association while reacting to the report, commended the panel for its timely finding, advising other states who had set up such panels to make their reports public to engender public confidence.

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while speaking on the report, described the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) as a “murderous party”.

The opposition party, in a statement by Ita National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondinya, on Tuesday, said the report of the panel confirming the gruesome killings of innocent youths, strengthened the fact that the APC was running a “murderous and oppressive regime”, that has no regard for life.

Following the outrage by Nigerians who stormed the various social media to express their grievances, the Lagos State Government on Wednesday, warmed those accusing it of killing the unarmed protesters.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the Information Commissioner, Gbenga Omotoso, appealed to the people to watch their words

Also, the Lagos State Government’s lawyer, Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, blamed the panel for making its findings, recommendations and conclusions available to the general public.

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While claiming that there are at least 40 discrepancies in the report, he said it should not be in the news pending the original copy. Owonikoko also said that the content of the report is not completely accurate.

But the head of the panel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN, on Friday, insisted that he acted on the mandate of the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to fulfill his promise by making its findings public.

He raised the alarm over the alleged persecution of panel members, saying that since the report of its findings was submitted to the state government on Monday, some of them have been under media attacks.

Mr Adegboruwa said in his statement that members of the panel are being “unfairly persecuted,” and called names by some officials of the government.

Recall also that the United States, US Mission in Nigeria on Tuesday while welcoming the report, said America awaits the response from President Muhammadu Buhari’s government and the Lagos authorities, urging them to act fast on the report.

Responding to that, President Buhari on Thursday while meeting with the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said that the Federal Government will allow the system to exhaust itself, stressing that it will wait for pronouncements from state governments that have set up panels to probe the alleged police brutality in the country.

This has also triggered reactions as some Nigerians alleged that the government is unhappy with the report and was probably expecting the panel to remain silent like other previous cases.

Some respondents told DAILY POST that the government is currently struggling and finding a way to still cover up the massacre with lies.

A current affair analyst, Mr John Ameh who spoke to our correspondent, said, “I actually commend the Lago panel. They have done so well. From the reactions of the government, you can see that they were not expecting the panel to reveal the truth.

“This is how the Federal Government and even most states have been inaugurating panels to investigate crimes and at last, no report will come out. This one ‘choke’ them well.

“Even when the panels submit their reports, you find out that it will not be implemented and nothing will be heard about it again”.

He recalled the case of Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission of Nigeria, also called the Oputa Panel, which was set up by the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo to investigate the military dictatorship that controlled the country until 1998.

According to him, nothing has been done on the report till date, alleging that the federal and Lagos State government expected the panel on Lekki to take a similar step.

DAILY POST also reports that the recommendations of the Steve Oronsaye Panel on rationalisation of ministries, agencies and parastatals which was set up by the former President, Goodluck Jonathan is yet to be implemented by the Federal Government.

Recall also that the report of the panel headed by the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai on restructuring has not been implemented till date and government has taken no further actions.

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Lagos Police Arrest 14 Suspected Traffic Robbers Along Lekki–Epe Expressway

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CSP Abimbola Adebisi
CSP Abimbola Adebisi

Lagos Police Arrest 14 Suspected Traffic Robbers Along Lekki–Epe Expressway

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 14 suspected traffic robbers along the Lekki–Epe Expressway within the last two weeks, following mounting complaints from motorists over the theft of vehicle parts during traffic gridlock.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Tactical Squad, Elemoro, at different locations along the busy corridor, according to the command’s spokesperson, CSP Abimbola Adebisi.

“Fourteen suspected traffic robbers have been arrested by the Tactical Squad, Elemoro, within the last two weeks at different locations along the Lekki–Epe Expressway,” Adebisi said in a statement posted on X on Tuesday.

She described the arrests as a clear demonstration of the command’s commitment to improving security and protecting road users, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

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“See something, say something,” the police spokesperson added.

The arrests come amid heightened public concern over traffic-related robberies in the Lekki axis, where criminals are accused of exploiting heavy congestion to steal car mirrors, covers and other vehicle parts, often under the guise of begging or street trading.

Earlier, popular tech influencer Fisayo Fosudo raised alarm on social media, lamenting repeated attacks on his vehicle.

“Today makes it the fourth time that these boys on the street will steal my car’s parts in Lagos traffic,” Fosudo wrote on X.

His post triggered further reactions from motorists, including warnings that certain vehicle models are being deliberately targeted. One user cautioned that RX 350 models (2017–2022) are frequent targets at night along the Lekki–Epe corridor, noting that stolen side mirrors can cost over ₦100,000 to replace.

Residents have long complained that criminals exploit traffic gridlock on the Lekki–Epe Expressway to snatch valuables and vehicle parts, eroding public confidence and road safety.

The police said investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing, adding that increased patrols and tactical operations have been deployed to curb the menace and restore confidence among motorists using the route.

Lagos Police Arrest 14 Suspected Traffic Robbers Along Lekki–Epe Expressway

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Ogun Man Arrested After ₦4,000 Debt Dispute Claims Stepbrother’s Life

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Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi

Ogun Man Arrested After ₦4,000 Debt Dispute Claims Stepbrother’s Life

A dispute over a ₦4,000 debt has turned deadly in Ogun State, as the Ogun State Police Command arrested a man, Lekan Lasisi, for allegedly killing his stepbrother during an argument in Abule Tuntun, Odeda Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on December 19, following a heated confrontation between the suspect and the deceased over the latter’s repeated habit of incurring debts, according to police sources.

Lasisi reportedly became enraged after being confronted by several of his stepbrother’s creditors, who allegedly demanded that he settle the outstanding debts on behalf of the deceased.

According to the suspect, the disagreement escalated when his stepbrother allegedly attempted to attack him with a cutlass. In response, Lasisi claimed he brought out a locally made gun, stating that he is a hunter, but the weapon accidentally discharged, fatally wounding his stepbrother.

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In an interrogation video circulating on social media, Lasisi narrated that on the day of the incident, the deceased had gone to the market to sell garri. While heading to the bus stop, he was approached by a woman who claimed the deceased owed her ₦4,000.

“When my brother returned from the market, I confronted him about the debts and the shame it was bringing on the family,” Lasisi said. “He became aggressive and brought out a cutlass. I brought out my gun, but it went off accidentally. I did not intend to kill him.”

Lasisi admitted to firing the gun but maintained that the shooting was unintentional. He appealed to the government to show mercy, citing the poor health of their elderly mother and another sibling who is currently bedridden.

“I was worried when it happened. I rushed to help him immediately. I am pleading for mercy because my mother is sick and has no one to care for her,” he said.

Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for further investigation.

“It happened on December 19, and the matter has been transferred to SCID,” the police spokesperson said.

The incident adds to a growing list of fatal disputes over small sums of money across the country. A similar case was reported last week in Delta State, where a 47-year-old man allegedly killed his cousin during an argument over the refund of a ₦1,000 contribution following a family burial in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

Ogun Man Arrested After ₦4,000 Debt Dispute Claims Stepbrother’s Life

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Two Close Aides of Anthony Joshua Identified as Victims of Fatal Crash

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Two Close Aides of Anthony Joshua Identified as Victims of Fatal Crash

Two Close Aides of Anthony Joshua Identified as Victims of Fatal Crash

Two close associates of former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua have been confirmed dead following a tragic road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday.

Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, identified the victims as Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both long-standing members of the boxer’s inner circle. The organisation confirmed the development in an official statement.

“With profound sadness, it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away,” Matchroom Boxing said.

The statement added that Anthony Joshua sustained injuries in the crash and was taken to hospital for medical evaluation. “He is in a stable condition and remains under observation,” it said.

The BBC also confirmed that the deceased were key members of Joshua’s team. Just hours before the accident, Joshua had shared an Instagram story showing him playing table tennis with Ayodele, popularly known as Latz.

Victims Identified

Sina Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for more than a decade and was a close personal friend. He co-founded Evolve Gym in London and was a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator, specialising in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise.

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According to reports, Ghami worked with elite athletes across several sports, including the NFL, NBA, and Michigan State University’s football programme. He had shared photos from Lagos shortly before the crash and frequently appeared alongside Joshua on social media.

Latif Ayodele, widely known as Latz, was Joshua’s personal trainer. His social media posts often highlighted his dedication to fitness and faith, as well as his professional relationship with the boxer. He was seen with Joshua shortly before the accident and appeared in a video shared online hours earlier.

How the Crash Happened

The accident occurred around 11:00 a.m. at Makun, near Danco Filling Station, before the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound lane of the expressway.

An eyewitness said the incident involved a two-vehicle convoy comprising a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV.

“It was a two-vehicle convoy. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another passenger beside him. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them,” the witness said, adding that rescue efforts began immediately before officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) arrived.

Two passengers reportedly died at the scene, while Joshua sustained minor injuries.

Official Confirmation

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that two occupants died instantly, while Anthony Joshua and another individual were taken to hospital. The bodies were deposited at Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu, as investigations commenced.

Preliminary findings by the FRSC attributed the crash to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, noting that the Lexus SUV lost control before colliding with a stationary truck.

Joshua, who was born to British-Nigerian parents, attended boarding school in Ikenne, just a few kilometres from the crash site.

Presidential Reaction and Tributes

President Bola Tinubu later confirmed the identities of the deceased and disclosed that he had spoken directly with Joshua and his mother.

“AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care,” Tinubu said in a post on X.

Tributes have continued to pour in from fans, athletes and public figures. Joshua’s recent opponent, Jake Paul, wrote: “I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and everyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”

Two Close Aides of Anthony Joshua Identified as Victims of Fatal Crash

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