BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – Following series and several complaints of human rights violation against innocent citizens, the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), to overhaul the management and activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) with immediate effect.
The Acting President also directed that the overhaul should ensure that any Unit that will emerge from the process, will be intelligence-driven and restricted to the prevention and detection of armed robbery and kidnapping, and apprehension of offenders linked to the stated offences, and nothing more.
The Acting president also directed a thorough investigation into cases of alleged violations by members of the squad
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, office of the Acting President, Laolu Akande said the directive became necessary following persistent complaints and reports on the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) that border on allegations of human rights violations.
Osinbajo further directed the IGP to ensure that all operatives in the emerging Unit conduct their operations in strict adherence to the rule of law and with due regard to International Human Rights Law and the constitutionally guaranteed rights of suspects.
The Acting President said that henceforth, the operatives of SARS should at all times bear proper identification while on duty.
Meanwhile, the Acting President has directed the National Human Rights Commission to set up a Special Panel that will conduct an investigation of the alleged unlawful activities of SARS in order to afford members of the public the opportunity to present their grievances with a view to ensuring redress.
