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Tag: SARS

  • [Videos]: Massive crowd ignore gun threats, humiliate defiant SARS operatives on routine operations in Computer Village, Lagos

    [Videos]: Massive crowd ignore gun threats, humiliate defiant SARS operatives on routine operations in Computer Village, Lagos

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  • BREAKING: ‘IGP bans FSARS, other police tactical units…’

    BREAKING: ‘IGP bans FSARS, other police tactical units…’

    The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, has banned the personnel of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) and other Tactical Squads of the Force including the Special Tactical Squad (STS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Anti-Cultism Squad and other Tactical Squads operating at the Federal, Zonal and Command levels, from carrying out routine patrols and other conventional low-risk duties – stop and search duties, checkpoints, mounting of roadblocks, traffic checks, etc – with immediate effect.

    Frank Mba, police spokesman, disclosed the directive of the IGP in a statement on Sunday.

    In addition, no personnel of the Force is authorized to embark on patrols or tactical assignments in mufti. They must always appear in their police uniforms or approved tactical gear.

    The IGP’s directives come against the backdrop of findings by the leadership of the Force that a few personnel of the Tactical Squads hide under these guise to perpetrate all forms of illegality, contrary to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement establishing the squads.

    Specifically, the IGP has warned the Tactical Squads against the invasion of the privacy of citizens particularly through indiscriminate and unauthorized search of mobile phones, laptops and other smart devices. They are to concentrate and respond only to cases of armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes when the need arises.

    The IGP notes that the FSARS and other Police Tactical Squads remain a critical component of the Force in confronting prevailing and emerging violent crimes in the country.

    He however condemns every act of unprofessionalism, abuse of human rights and high-handedness by some personnel of the Squads. He has therefore ordered the X-Squad and the Monitoring Unit to embark on immediate and massive nationwide monitoring of activities of Tactical Squads and other police officers on the road. They are to ensure prompt arrest, investigation and prosecution of all erring police officers who violate these directives and other extant regulations of the Force.

    The IGP has equally warned, that henceforth, the Commissioner of Police in charge of FSARS, Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands and the FCT as well as their supervisory Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police, will be held liable for any misconduct within their Area of Responsibility (AOR). He therefore charged them to ensure effective supervision and mentoring of the personnel of the Tactical Squads under their jurisdiction.

    Meanwhile, two operatives of the FSARS and their civilian accomplice operating in Lagos State, INSPR Sale James, INSPR Monday Uchiola and Okechukwu Ogbonna, have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command, for acts of professional misconduct including extortion and intimidation of innocent citizens. The operational vehicle of the men has also been impounded and disciplinary procedure has already commenced against the defaulters.

    The IGP reaffirms his commitment to bequeathing to Nigerians, a reformed Police Force that is accountable, responsible and ever ready to defend and uphold the rights of the citizens while discharging its duties of keeping the people safe and secure. He enjoins the citizens not to allow the misconduct by a few personnel of the Force to negatively impact on their belief, confidence and trust in the Police.

  • VIDEO: Angry youths match against SARS in Delta, bring coffins

    VIDEO: Angry youths match against SARS in Delta, bring coffins

    There was tension in Delta State on Sunday following an alleged killing of a yet to be identified man by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.

    Some aggrieved youths in Ughelli, Delta State on Sunday came out en masse to protest against police brutality in the Southern state.

    The irate youths as seen in a viral video hired a truck and loaded it with coffins.

    In the video, some of the protesters demanded that the government should ban SARS officials from operating in the Ughelli part of Delta State.

    Watch video:

    Meanwhile, the Hon. Minister of State, Labour & Employment, Festus Keyamo in a series of tweet on Sunday clarified some of the controversies surrounding the incident.

    According to Keyamo (a) The outfit involved in this case is called Operation Delta Safe and not SARS (b) the victim was not shot as confirmed by his brother, but fell out of the Police vehicle when being taken to the station after arrest. The brother said he was pushed; the Police said he jumped.

  • #ENDSARS protest returns: SARS operatives kill man in Delta, flee with victim’s SUV [Video]

    #ENDSARS protest returns: SARS operatives kill man in Delta, flee with victim’s SUV [Video]

    The Nigeria Police Force’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS came under attack on Twitter yesterday after some SARS operatives allegedly shot dead a young man in front of a hotel in the Ughelli area of Delta State.

    The operatives allegedly shot the citizen and left the scene.

    A trending footage shows them spending off in the victim’s vehicle – a white Lexus SUV.

    Meanwhile, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Minister of Youths and Sport Development, Sunday Dare, and a global rights group, Amnesty international, were among prominent voices which condemned the recurring SARS brutality.

    Atiku, wrote on Twitter, “The SARS unit of the police was set up to confront violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and other related crimes. However, the unit has today morphed into an oppressor of the Nigerian masses who strive every day for a better life.

    “It is expedient that the activities of SARS are reviewed to ensure that the rogue elements are excised from the unit and sanity returned to its operations.

    “I strongly condemn their cruel actions against our people, and I urge the government to rise to the occasion and nip this monstrosity in the bud with the seriousness it deserves. Reports of intimidation, harassment and outright extortion by officers of SARS have continued unabated.”

    The minister said the Federal Government would look into the reports of harassment of Nigerians by SARS.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by John Joshua-Akanji, his special assistant, Dare said he had been monitoring reports of the attacks by SARS, adding that relevant government agencies will investigate the incidents.

    He said, “The ministry of youth and sports is worried about the menace, increasing harassments and attacks by SARS, especially targeted at youths and other innocent members of the public, and brought it to the attention of the relevant security agencies in Abuja,” the statement read.

    “The minister of youth and sports development, who has also been monitoring the reports of alleged SARS harassment and attacks, has called for immediate investigations that will unravel the truth.”

    Meanwhile, the Amnesty International said, “SARS officers are getting rich through their brutality. In Nigeria, it seems that torture is a lucrative business. End SARS now, end police brutality.

    “The majority of the victims of torture in SARS custody are poor and unable to hire legal representatives. In some cases when detainees cannot afford to pay bribes, they are simply tortured more.

    “The complete failure of Nigerian authorities to bring an end to the gross human rights violations perpetuated by the SARS or to bring any SARS officer to justice is shocking and unacceptable.”

  • Nigerian government empowers SARS to maltreat young Nigerians – Amnesty Int’l

    Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian Government of empowering officers of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to maltreat Nigerians by not holding any of them accountable.

    It said despite passing the anti-torture bill in 2017, there is continous evidence SARS operatives continue to use torture and other ill-treatment to execute, punish and extract information from suspects.

    AI added that SARS officers have turned their duty to protect Nigerians into an opportunity for extortion and stealing money, property and other valuables belonging to suspects and their families.

    The organisation stated this in its report, ‘Time to end Impunity, Amnesty International documents at least 82 cases of torture, ill treatment and extra-judicial execution by SARS between January 2017 and May 2020.’

    It said Nigerian authorities must go beyond lip service and ensure there is real reform.

    AI, in a statement by its Media Manager, Isa Sanusi alleged: “The Nigerian authorities have failed to prosecute a single officer from the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), despite anti-torture legislation passed in 2017 and evidence that its members continue to use torture and other ill-treatment to execute, punish and extract information from suspects.”

    “Nigerians are outraged by the impunity with which SARS perpetrates horrific human rights violations.

    “The complete failure of Nigerian authorities to bring an end to the gross human rights violations perpetuated by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad or to bring any SARS officer to justice is shocking and unacceptable. Nigerians are outraged by the systemic human rights violations perpetrated by the SARS with impunity,” said Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

    “The systemic use of torture and other ill treatment by SARS officers for police investigations and the continued existence of torture chambers within the Nigerian Police Force points to an absolute disregard for international human rights laws and standards.”

    AI added: “Amnesty International’s investigation reveals a disturbing pattern of abuse of detainees in SARS custody despite the 2017 Anti-Torture Act.

    “In many cases, Amnesty International bore witness to the scars, bruises, and dried blood on victims’ bodies. Many of them were subjected to beatings with sticks and machetes and denied medical care.

    “The findings of this report also show that these horrific violations were carried out under the supervision of high-ranking police officers.

    “Pervasive torture and other ill-treatment remain routine practice during SARS’ daily operations and at its detention centres.

    “One of the officers used an exhaust pipe to hit me on my teeth, breaking my teeth.

    “Miracle, 23 In March 2017, 23-year-old Miracle was arrested and detained by SARS officers in Neni, Anambra State, southeast Nigeria, accused of the theft of a laptop. He was tortured and given hardly any food during the 40 days he was in detention before he was charged and brought before a court.

    “…their leader directed them to go and hang me. They took me to the back of the hall and tied me with ropes. Then they started using all manner of items to beat me, including machetes, sticks, inflicting me with all kinds of injuries. One of the officers used an exhaust pipe to hit me on my teeth, breaking my teeth. I was left on that hanger for more than three hours…”

    “In October 2018, 24-year-old Sunday Bang, an amateur boxer was arrested in his home in Abuja, by SARS officers and accused of robbery. He was held in detention for 5 weeks without access to family, lawyers or medical care – and was not charged in court. While in SARS detention, he suffered bone fractures and other injuries due to torture and other ill treatment.

    “No circumstances whatsoever may be invoked as a justification of torture. In many cases the victims are the poor and vulnerable, easy targets for law enforcement officers whose responsibility it is to protect them,” said Osai Ojigho.

    “From extortion to stealing money and property Across Nigeria, SARS officers have turned their duty to protect Nigerians into an opportunity for extortion and stealing money, property and other valuables belonging to suspects and their families. Since 2016, Amnesty International has documented 15 cases where SARS officers arbitrarily confiscated suspects’ property.

    “Young people between the ages of 17 and 30 are most at risk of arrest, torture or extortion by SARS. They are often accused of being internet fraudsters and/or armed robbers. Young men with dreadlocks, ripped jeans, tattoos, flashy cars or expensive gadgets are frequently targeted by SARS.”

  • BREAKING: IG of Police scraps SARS satellite offices

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Abubakar Adamu, on Tuesday, ordered closure of all Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) satellite offices nationwide.

    The directive followed Monday’s protests in Sagamu against SARS.

    The people had marched against the killing of Remo Stars Football Club player, Tiamiyu Kazeem aka Kaka, in Ogun State.

    Represented, Adamu announced the SARS satellite offices scrapping when Governor Dapo Abiodun, paid a condolence visit to home of the deceased Vice-Captain of Remo Stars.

    The IGP who was represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police, in-charge of Research and Planning, Peter Ogunyanwo, ordered that all activities at the satellite offices should be handed over to Commissioners of Police in the states.

    The IGP assured that everyone responsible for the young player’s death would be prosecuted according to the laws of the land.

    Abiodun and the delegation also visited the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi.

    There the Governor said: “Today, I was on a condolence visit to the residence of Tiamiyu Kazeem’s parents.

    “Tiamiyu, who was until his death, a vice captain of the Remo Stars Football Club died in an unfortunate encounter with some men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) who were on an illegal mission.

    “Kaka’s death is irreversibly regrettable because Ogun State has lost a man of unexplored talents.

    “But this long-awaited, significant reform within the structures of the Nigerian Police assures us of an end to such anomalies,” the governor added.

  • ASP attached to Lagos SARS slumps, dies in office

    An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Christopher Akpan, attached to the Lagos State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), has reportedly slumped and died in his office at Ikeja.

    The death of Akpan and that of two other junior officers have thrown the SARS and the command into mourning.

    It was learnt that the newly promoted Akpan died in on Friday while his subordinates were waiting for him for instructions.

    The deceased, fondly called ‘S O,’ had led his team out to arrest some suspected criminals but went to his office to rest before proceeding on another assignment when he slumped and died.

    A SARS operative, who craved anonymity, said Akpan’s death was still a shock to him.

    He said: “Mr Akpan just came back from an operation with his boys and went into his office to prepare for another operation. Hs boys were waiting for him to come out to instruct them on what to do. After waiting endlessly without seeing him, they went to knock on his office door, but there was no response.

    “They felt he had gone out and they called his mobile phone, it rang but he did not pick the call. They decided to kick his door open and they saw him sitting on his chair but couldn’t talk nor move. That was how he was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty.”

    It was also learnt that a week ago, the unit lost two other operatives to the cold hands of death.

    One of them is Inspector Nlong said to be the personal assistant to the officer in charge of SARS, Lagos State Command.

    Nlong died in a motor accident on the Kogi-Okene Road. When he was returning to Lagos from Plateau State in a Toyota Hiace van driven by the driver of the officer in charge of Special Anti-Robbery Squad SARS), after attending naming ceremony the daughter of OC SARS, Lagos State Command, CSP Peter Gana, in Jos.

    Nlong reportedly died on the spot while the driver was still receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

    Nlong was described as a quiet and calm person.

    The second deceased is Inspector Tunde. The inspector died during a brief illness.

    When asked to confirm Akpan’s death, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bala Elkana, promised to get back to our correspondent.

  • [Video] Pandemonium in Ogun as SARS officers mistakenly shoot two Hausa traders while chasing Yahoo Boy

    There was pandemonium on Thursday in the Olomore axis of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, when operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force allegedly shot two Hausa traders.

    The SARS operatives were reported to have stormed Olomore Pepper Market while chasing an internet fraudster also known as Yahoo boy, who ran into the market.

    Findings showed that stray bullets from the SARS officers’ gunshots hit two pepper sellers in the market during the chase.

    An eye witness identified simply as Adamu said one of the victims was shot in the head and the other was shot in the leg.

    Adamu said the victims had been rushed to a nearby hospital.

    There has been no confirmation that the victim shot in the head died as of the time of filing this report but the other victim it was gathered is being treated at the undisclosed hospital.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, had yet to reply a text message sent to his phone and several calls made to his phone were not answered as of the time of filing this report.

  • I was kidnapped, robbed by SARS- Ikechukwu [VIDEO]

    I was kidnapped, robbed by SARS- Ikechukwu [VIDEO]

    Nigerian rapper and actor, Ikechukwu Onunaku a.k.a Killz took to his Instagram page on Thursday 5th of September 2019, to declare how he was harassed , robbed and kidnapped by suspected members of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    Ikechukwu noted that he was kidnapped by SARS two minutes away from his house, adding that he was made to exhaust his ATM allowance .

    In his words:”I was kidnapped by SARS last night. Two mins away from my house, taken to Lagos island and made to exhaust my atm allowance or i would be killed and no one would know..
    Not by armed robbers. But when u are robbed and they are armed fully , 5 ak-47’s . Blows to the head and bundled into a vehicle. Isnt it the same thing. And then after u will now tell me our govt is working. Things are in place. Bla bla. Let me tell u now straight up. I dont care who u are , if u are rolling solo in this town and sars get u.

    Day or night. If they get ur phone. Its over for u. They dont have names or numbers on their uniforms. They literally said to me ” na u burn this our hilux here yesterday abii” . Acting like they didnt know who i was and were gonna rope me in anything they felt or do with me what they would. After collecting all the money in lagos island they start laughing telling me im too stubborn that when will i introduce them to don jazzy. Oh so u know me. One even bragged about working alot with wazobiafm. Thanx for that info at least now i have a point to start my own investigation. I couldve been shot and left in the dark space on thst dark road. No id no phone . Who would id me. Who would be looking for me for days? Afterall my people saw me enter uber heading home. On the island. Shey im safe . Good morning.

     

    Its a good day to be alive. I dont even know what hashtag to put sef. Its ok. I recorded a video initially from when I got home last night but it was too long and it made me cry again. So i just said lemme just yan straight no need for in the moment . Just the facts. We are not safe. End of story. Know as u dey take move.
    Shout out to @@chris_yaks who was with me thru the whole ordeal. I hope say u dey alright”.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that back in April, the singer had warned of what will happen if any official of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) ever try to harass him the way they harass other Nigerian citizens.

    The entertainer shared a heartbreaking video of SARS officials harassing and beating a man because he refused to let them search his phone.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2BSJYelhjz/

     

  • JUST IN: SARS operatives shoot cleaner dead while chasing 'armed robbers' in Lagos

    JUST IN: SARS operatives shoot cleaner dead while chasing 'armed robbers' in Lagos

    Stray bullet on Monday morning killed a cleaner identified as Francis during a gun duel between suspected armed robbers and operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ilupeju, Lagos.
    There were conflicting information on the source of the bullet as eyewitnesses accused SARS of being responsible for the death of Francis, said to be a cleaner around 7:30 am at Ladipo near Ajisegiri Street Ilupeju.
    The deceased was said to be going about his routine business when the bullet hit and killed him on the spot.
    It was gathered that the police had taken an alleged notorious suspect Ikechukwu Monye, 39, to the neighbourhood for identification of his gang’s armoury but they were attacked by his alleged members in a bid to scuttle the operation.
    According to reports, Ilupeju has experienced violent cult clashes especially between rival groups Eiye and Aiye in recent times that have left no fewer than six persons killed.
    There have also been allegations of armed robbery, rape and extortion against hoodlums in the area extending to Onipanu and Mushin.
    Reacting to the incident, the police said the hoodlums released gunshots upon sighting the SARS team and killed the cleaner in the process.
    A statement by spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) said the assailants shot sporadically and in the process killed a middle-aged man who was passing by.

    “Reinforcement was quickly drafted to the scene. The whole area is cordoned with a view to apprehending the members of the gang and bring them to justice.

    “The gang in question is responsible for series of robberies within Ilupeju and environ. They have been on the wanted list of the police for murder of six persons during three robbery operations that they carried out.
    “The command condemned in totality, the senseless killings of innocent persons by those criminal elements and will not tolerate attacks on its personnel by criminals.
    “The command has vowed to bring an end to the activities of this deadly gang. Members of the public are enjoyed to remain calm as the command has intensified patrols and surveillance in the affected areas.
    “The corpse of the victim of this violent attack has been removed and deposited at the mortuary for post mortem examination. The command extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased person and assured them that justice will prevail,” he said.