Police Release BudgIT Officer ‘Arrested’ By SARS

The Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday released Moses Motoni, a tracking officer of BudgIT, civic transparency group.

BudgIT revealed via its social media handle that Motoni was arrested in Kaduna State by some unidentified SARS personnel who disguised as delivery men from DHL Nigeria.

The BudgIT staff had reportedly received an SMS from DHL Nigeria to pick up a parcel at Makarfi Plaza at Central Market, Kaduna State, but unknown to him, it was a trap.

Mr. Motoni was reportedly arrested under the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris, allegedly based on a complaint by a senator, Mohammed Sani.

Motoni’s arrest is coming barely 24 hours after popular calls for the scrapping of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, popularly known as SARS made the IGP order a restructuring of the police squad.

The organisation said the lawmakers were irked over its sensitisation of citizens on constituency projects in Bida, Niger state.

Following pressure from all corners to free Motoni, the police on Wednesday released a picture of the BudgIT tracking officer with Jimoh Moshood, spokesman of the force.

“Moses Motoni is alive, healthy and in good condition. He was not arrested by SARS Operatives and he’s being granted bail,” read a statement by the police.

“Mr. Moses Motoni was not arrested by SARS Operatives but by a Police Team on the case of Inciting Public Disturbance reported against him which occurred on the 1st and 2nd of December, 2017 at Gbako, Tandzun and Bida Villages on Federal Constituency Project.

“The matter is under investigation as Mr. Moses is been released on Bail. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP JIMOH MOSHOOD visited him.

“Subsequently, Moses has been asked to reach out to his office and relative to come take him on bail.”