Osinbajo Orders Immediate Overhaul Of SARS

Acting president Yemi Osinbajo, has ordered the immediate overhaul of the Special Anti Robbery Squad of the Nigerian Police (SARS).

This was contained in a statement issued by President Muhammadu Buhari’s Personal Assistant on New Media, Mr. Bashir Ahmad.

The statement noted that the move follows series of complains and reports on the activities of the squad that borders on alleged human right violations.

Osinbajo ordered the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris to ensure that “any unit that would replace SARS will be intelligence driven and restricted to the prevention and detection of armed robbery and kidnapping and apprehension of offenders linked to the stated offence and nothing more.”

Osinbajo further directed the National Human Rights Commission “to set up a committee that will conduct nationwide investigation on the alleged unlawful activities of SARS.”

The statement read in full, “Following persistent complaints and reports on the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad that border on allegations of human rights violations, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has directed the Inspector General of Police to, with immediate effect, overhaul the management and activities of SARS and 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 has also 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 operatives should also bear proper identification anytime they are on duty.

“In the meantime, 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 general public the opportunity to present their grievances with a view to ensuring redress.”

FULL STATEMENT: Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo orders immediate overhaul of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) – Laolu @AkandeOj pic.twitter.com/j7RPoW5Xew

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) August 14, 2018