Falana Demands Compensation For Families Of Victims Lost To Stampedes In FCT, Anambra, Oyo States

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has criticised the Nigeria Police Force for its alleged failure to prevent stampedes during recent palliative distribution events in Ibadan, Anambra, and Abuja, which resulted in multiple casualties.

Speaking on Friday at a public lecture in Akure, Ondo State, organised to commemorate the late former governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Falana described the incidents as a “national tragedy” and emphasised the need for systemic reforms.

“The blame should also go to the Nigeria Police Force because of their sheer incompetence to protect those who lost their lives in those stampedes,” Falana said during his address.

The lecture, titled “Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development; The Ondo State Example,” highlighted the police’s failure to enforce section 83, subsection 4 of the Police Establishment Act, 2020.

Falana explained, “If there is a rally, public meeting, or state event, the police shall provide adequate security for the people. It was a failure to fulfill this responsibility that led to the loss of lives in those stampedes.”

He urged the police to take decisive measures to prevent future tragedies and called on the federal government to compensate victims’ families.

“The federal government must pay compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampedes because of the failure and negligence of the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who also spoke at the event, commended the late Akeredolu for his legacy of courage and dedication to democracy.

“Arakunrin Akeredolu was that courageous leader who spoke truth to power and fought for the advancement of democracy and the rule of law in our country,” Aiyedatiwa said.

Falana concluded by stating the importance of reforming Nigeria’s public security management to safeguard the lives and dignity of citizens.