Lieutenant Colonel S.O Bello of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, has turned down the witness summons served to him by the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry.

Mr. Bello who led the team of Nigerian soldiers that opened fire on protesters at the Lekki Toll in October, shunned all attempts to have him testify at the panel.

Jonathan Ogunsanya, counsel to the protesters, stated this before the panel at its session on Saturday. The case involving the Nigerian Army was slated for further hearing as the panel sought to further question its role in the shootings. 

The Army and its personnel involved were markedly absent at the Saturday session.

Mr. Ogunsanya said that Mr. Bello refused to accept the summons served on him, which had been done through a courier.

Counsel to the protesters noted that similar summon was served on Godwin Umelo, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 81 Division, and the summon had been accepted. However, Mr. Umelo was absent at the proceedings as well.

Olukayode Enitan, Lagos State Counsel, speculated that the absence of military personnel may be as a result of the outbreak of coronavirus within the ranks.

The panel adjourned proceedings to January 8, 2021 for further hearing.