An Abuja-based NGO, Initiative for Leadership Development and Change (ILDC), has lauded the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, and the Senate for the suspension of activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the decision was a sequel to complaints and reports on the activities of SARS, a unit within the police, on several cases of harassment, extortion, and misconduct against innocent Nigerians.
Nnam decried the alleged brutality of SARS, which he described as anti-democratic and illegal, thus undermining the tenets of democracy.
He stressed that a lot still needed to be done to end the excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary detention, and extortion by the squad.
“SARS has abandoned its constitutional role of intervening during armed robbery operations.
“Adequate reforms must be done for Nigerians to trust the police to provide law enforcement, according to the Nigerian laws and conform to international standards,’’ he said.
The ILDC President, who passed a vote of confidence on the IGP, called on Nigerians to support him.
According to him, it takes only a man or leader with courage and love for the people to take such a decision.
Nnam urged SARS to reconsider its operations, especially under a democratic dispensation, describing many of its operations as anti-people and unconstitutional.
He advised SARS to exercise restraint in violating the rights of Nigerians when the impending suspension of its operations was eventually lifted.
NAN reports that the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, had earlier directed the IGP to review the operations of SARS.
Consequently, Adamu ordered the suspension of activities of SARS across the country, pending the review of its operations.
According to the IGP, members of the squad must always wear uniforms.
NAN also reports that the Senate had, on Wednesday, backed the IGP, with a debate on a motion sponsored by Senator Oluremi Tinubu (APC, Lagos Central).
The upper legislative chamber said that the injustice and flagrant disregard of laws by SARS against Nigerians and the constitution must be investigated.
(NAN)
