Seems like the End Sars Hashtag has finally reached victory as Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to “overhaul the management and activities” of dreaded police unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Over the past few months, the Nigerian plebeian, as well as celebrities, have taken to social media to vent their anger on the overbearing injustice and high-handedness meted on them by the SARS.
Some have gone ahead to accuse the officers of the unit of several misconducts including, but not limited to harassment, extortion, assault, extra-judicial killings, etc.
According to Laolu Akande: in a statement issued, the Acting President ordered the IGP to shut down the unit “with immediate effect”.
The statement read, “Following persistent complaints and reports on the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) that border on allegations of human rights violations, His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, Acting-President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, 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 also twitted!
Following persistent complaints and reports on the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) that border on allegations of human rights violations, I have directed the Inspector General of Police to, with immediate effect, overhaul the management and activities of SARS. pic.twitter.com/xliQS1CRBN
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) August 14, 2018
The IGP will ensure that any Unit that emerges 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.
I have equally 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
Similarly, I have directed NHRC 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.
Together, Nigeria will prevail! pic.twitter.com/VmkY4S4LfR
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) August 14, 2018
