We Have Released All SARS Detainees – Imo CP

The Imo State Police Command has informed Governor Hope Uzodinma that all suspects in the custody of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad in the state have been released in compliance with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

The Imo State governor also on Monday evening, directed the state commissioner of police to allow and condone youths protesting police brutality because it was their right to protest against genuine grievances as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Senator Uzodinma stated this when he visited the state police command headquarters to check the level of compliance as regards the dissolution/disbandment of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), and also to brainstorm on other issues relating to the security of lives and property in the state, including the welfare of the officers and men of the command.

A release by the state PPRO, SP Orlando Ikeokwu, made available to THE WHSTLER in Owerri, said the governor was received by the state commissioner of police, CP Isaac O. Akinmoyede, alongside the deputy commissioner of police, Department of Operations, DCP Rabiu Hussaini; the deputy commissioner of police in-charge of Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Musa Baba, and the deputy commissioner of police in-charge of finance and administration, DCP Kenneth Akubue.

According to the PPRO, “The commissioner informed the governor that the command had complied totally with the directives of the inspector general of police, as SARS in Imo State has been dissolved and all suspects meant to be released had been released, while those involved in serious robbery/kidnapping incidents had been transferred to other units for continuation/conclusion of investigations. He also informed the governor that the command was partnering the Force Headquarters, Abuja, to rehabilitate and re-orientate the members of the defunct SARS before they could be posted for any operational duties. He further informed the governor that the command was working in tandem with the directives of the IGP to allow and condone such protests provided they were peaceful.”

Highlights of the visit were on-the-spot assessment of the office of the defunct SARS by the governor. Governor Uzodinma used the opportunity to visit some police facilities in the command, including the dilapidated Shell Camp and the Chukwuma Nwaoha Officers Barracks, and pledged the state government’s support to the command, especially as regards the renovation of barracks.

The governor was accompanied by the chief judge of Imo State, Her Lordship, Justice Ijeoma Aguguo; the attorney general of Imo State, Barr C. O. C. Akaolisa Esq; the secretary to the state government (SSG), Chief Cosmas Iwu, and his chief of staff, Chief Nnamdi Anyachie.