Police to dismiss 37 ex-SARS officers
Police to dismiss 37 ex-SARS officers, prosecute 24
As part of Government efforts to assuage public outcry against SARS, the Presidential Panel on Reform of Anti-Robbery Squad, (SARS) has recommended the dismissal of 37 ex-SARS personnel and prosecution of 24 others.
In the same vein, Police Service Commission -PSC – on Friday, October 16, 2020 met the National Human Rights Commission -NHRC -and promised to speed up action on the implementation of the Report of the Presidential Panel on Reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The NHRC team led by its Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu was at the Police Service Commission to formally present the 2018 Report of the Presidential Panel and to solicit the PSC’s support in the implementation of the aspects of the Report within the constitutional mandate of PSC.
The Presidential Panel had earlier investigated allegations of human rights violations and abuse of office against SARS and made recommendations on how to reform restructure the outfit.
The NHRC delegation was received by the Chairman of PSC, Musiliu Smith, retired Inspector General of Police. He said PSC will collaborate and support the Human Rights Commission in the promotion of good governance. He hinged the reform of SARS on a deliberate effort at selecting capable, professional and credible people to replace the disbanded outfit.
The selected Officers, he added, must be properly trained and exposed to regular training. Also, there must be close supervision of the newly selected officers so that the nation will not experience the rot that became the fate of the disbanded unit. Any misconduct, he noted, should be severely and promptly handled.
He, however, said the government should show more concern to the funding of its vital Agencies as these Agencies need funds to do their job.
He also insisted that proper and ‘living accommodation should be provided for the Officers of the Nigeria Police, stressing that these Officers need good accommodation to put in their best.
The Executive Secretary of the Human Rights Commission told the PSC Chairman that PSC has all it takes to deal appropriately with the Report of the Presidential Panel on Reform of Anti-Robbery Squad, (SARS).
Ojukwu said the reform is the most topical issue in the country today, adding that a lot is expected from the PSC.
He informed the PSC Chairman that the Panel called for and received 113 complaints on alleged human rights violations from across the country and 22 memorandum on suggestions on how to reform and restructure SARS and the Nigeria Police in general.
“The Panel also directed the Inspector General of Police to unravel the identity of 22 officers involved in the violation of the human rights of innocent citizens.
