Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has set up a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry into the circumstances leading to killings in Ikire, Irewole local government council area last Monday.
The setting up of the inquest followed the issuance of an Executive Order by the governor on Saturday.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the Executive Order empowers the panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the identities and number of victims, establish the immediate and remote causes of the violence, and examine whether criminal responsibility is connected to the deaths.
It reads partly, “Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola has been appointed Chairman of the Coroner Inquest/Panel, with Mr. Abiodun Badiora as Secretary. Other members include AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode,mni (Rtd), Mr. Dele Akintayo, a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association, Comrade Wale Balogun representing Civil Society Organisations, a community representative from Ikire, and Dr Babatunde Afolabi as Medical/Forensic Representative.
“The panel is mandated to determine the circumstances leading to the shootings and killings, examine the role of security operatives, establish whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and whether their use complied with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
“It is also empowered to identify any individual, group, security personnel, political actor, transport union member, public official or other person whose action or omission may have contributed to the incident.
“The panel may recommend prosecution, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent recurrence.
“The inquiry will have powers to summon witnesses, demand relevant police and medical records, inspect the scene of the incident and other relevant locations, receive oral and documentary evidence, and recommend protective measures for witnesses and persons at risk of intimidation or retaliation.
“Governor Adeleke also directed the preservation of firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other materials relevant to the inquiry.
“The Executive Order further calls for appropriate measures to protect witnesses and victims’ families, obtain medical and forensic documentation, and maintain peace in Ikire pending the conclusion of the inquiry.
“The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police are formally requested to take appropriate interim administrative steps concerning any police officer whose continued operational command may prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence”.
The panel has 30 days to conclude its assignment begining from the date of its first sitting and can only extend its sitting beyond the said date with permission from the governor.
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