Osinbajo orders immediate overhaul of SARS

*Directs investigation on alleged violations of the squad

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has ordered the immediate overhaul of the  Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) following allegations of human rights violations.

Osinbajo also ordered that a thorough investigation be carried out on the allegations which has often sparked massive social media backlash for SARS.

In a statement by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, the acting President ordered the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to ensure that all operatives in the emerging Unit conduct their operations in strict adherence to the rule of law.

“Following persistent complaints and reports on the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) that border on allegations of human rights violations, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to, with immediate effect,” Akande said in a statement on Tuesday.

The acting President also ordered the IGP to “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 has also 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.

“In the meantime, the Acting President has directed the National Human Rights Commission 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.