By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
The Lagos State judicial panel of inquiry and restitution for victims of SARS related abuses, other related matters and Lekki Tollgate incident, on Friday visited Lekki Tollgate, scene of the widely reported shooting and killing of #EndSARS peaceful protesters by soldiers on October, 20 to view the environment and assess the situation/impact as part of the proceedings.
After the return of the Panel from its visit to Lekki Tollgate, the presiding chairman of the Panel, Justice Doris Okuwobi (rtd), adjourned further proceedings of the Panel till Tuesday November 2, 2020.
Before she announced the adjournment after their return from Lekki Tollgate, Justice Okuwobi said no question will be asked since evidence has not be given but based on the exigencies of the case she asked the Head of Legal, Lekki Consession Company, Gbolahan Agboluaje how soon they can get legal representation.
Responding, Agboluaje said Tuesday, the chairman suggested Saturday but Agboluaje said it was not possible.
Meanwhile, counsel for Lagos State Government, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), asked for a copy of the footage, for the purpose of fair hearing but Justice Okuwobi overruled, saying the footage has not been tendered in evidence, moreso the video will be played in the court room.
Thereafter, Justice Okuwobi adjourned till Tuesday 2nd of November 2, 2020, when the panel would commence hearing of the case.
Earlier on Friday’s proceedings, which started at exactly 10:10am, the Panel decided to visit the Lekki toll gate the scene of alleged shooting and killing of EndSARS protesters by soldiers.
The chairman of the Panel Justice Doris Okuwobi (retired), called on the Managing Director of the Lekki Consession Company, Mr Abayomi Omoniwa, who was invited to come and give evidence of what happened on the 20th of October, 2020.
Mr Omoniwa told the panel that they received the summons to appear before the panel last Wednesday to come and produce three items; the investigation report, the footage of the report, and other documents, saying the report and the footage are ready.
However, Mr Gbolahan Agboluaje, Head of Legal, Lekki Consession Company who appeared with him told the panel that they received the summons of the Panel last Wednesday, therefore they needed time to get legal representation.
Justice Okuwobi maintained that no person would be denied having legal representation of his choice, but they should bear in mind “the terms of reference of this panel.”
She asked Mr Agboluaje if the request amount to asking for adjournment. Mr Agboluaje answered in affirmative.
However, Mr Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), who announced his appearance with two other lawyers Mr Ifeanyi Okechukwu and Mrs Yetunde Olabode for Lagos State Government for the proceedings did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Justice Okuwobi further said that the business of the day was to take evidence of the witnesses and visit the Lekki toll gate, Consequently after consultation with other members of the Panel, comprising Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN), Oduala Bolatito, Majekodunmi Temitope Oluwaseun, Mrs Oluwatoyin Odusanya, M/S Patience Udoh, Mr Segun Awosanya, Lucas B Koyejo and D.I.G. Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), she ordered that the panel and the witnesses should visit the toll gate and retire back to the venue of the sitting.
Thereafter, the panel proceeded to visit the Lekki tollgate.
