Ogun Youths Call for Public Release of State Judicial Panel Report on 2020 Protests

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun

Some youths in Ogun State have urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to publish the report of the state’s Judicial Panel of Investigation that examined allegations related to the 2020 nationwide protests.

Under the umbrella of the Ogun Youth Assembly, the group said releasing the report would promote transparency and support the administration’s focus on youth development.

In a letter to the governor, the group’s chairman, Habeeb Whyte, noted that the panel (chaired by retired Justice Solomon Olugbemi) submitted its report on July 9, 2021. The governor had indicated that the recommendations would be considered.

Whyte, who previously served as Legal Adviser to the state Police Community Relations Committee, stated that the panel received 106 petitions and examined 58 of them. The resulting 289-page document included recommendations such as compensation totaling N218 million for 42 victims or their families.

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He asked for a clear public update on the status of those recommendations several years after submission. The group requested that the full report be published together with an implementation summary showing each recommendation, the responsible body, actions already taken, remaining steps, and timelines.

Where compensation has been paid, the youths suggested it should be documented. Outstanding matters should be handled according to law.

“Publishing the report should not be viewed as criticism of the government,” Whyte said. “It offers an opportunity to demonstrate confidence in the process and build public trust.”

The 2020 protests led several state governments across Nigeria to establish similar panels. While some states have published findings and made payments, civil-society groups continue to call for full disclosure and implementation where this has not yet occurred.

The Ogun Youth Assembly framed its request as part of ongoing interest among young people in accountable policing and transparent governance.