SARS: Police must enforce the ban, this time – Human Rights Commission

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed hope that the recent ban of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) patrols will be enforced.

Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary, noted that the latest ban announced by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, is not the first.

He said the IG’s order was in line with the Commission’s recommendations after the Presidential Investigation Panel reported human rights violations by SARS.

The official recalled that shocking revelations emerged during the panel’s sitting.

“This is not the first time such a proclamation is made by the Police hierarchy but compliance to such orders has remained a problem”, Ojukwu noted.

“It is hoped that this time the directive which is expected to preserve and protect the rights to privacy and dignity of the human person from atrocious acts of some bad eggs in the Nigeria Police will be enforced to the fullest” Ojukwu stated.

He expressed optimism that the new ban will afford the force the opportunity to rejig its operations and align with human rights best practices.

The ES said the commission has continued to record cases of extra-judicial killings, extortion, harassment, and intimidation of innocent citizens by FSARS without much being done to change the status quo.

Ojukwu added that NHRC was ready to work with the police to train the unit’s personnel