Police Service Commission swings into action, recommends 37 SARS operatives for dismissal

By our correspondent

As the nation is currently being shaken by mass protests nationwide against police brutality, Police Service Commission (PSC) has recommended 37 operatives for dismissal just as it pencilled down 24 for prosecution.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Friday, October 16, said that at least 37 former members of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) had been recommended for dismissal by a presidential panel set up by the Federal Government to reform the Police unit.

This was disclosed by the PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, who said the panel also recommended the prosecution of 24 other ex-SARS operatives for various acts of misconduct.

According to Ani, these were the highlights of the report of the panel set up in 2018 by the government.

The panel investigated allegations of human rights violations and abuse of office against SARS; and recommended reform or restructuring of the outfit.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, who presented the report to the PSC Chairman, Musiliu Smith, in Abuja, called for speedy implementation of the panel recommendations.

He was also optimistic that Smith would deal appropriately with the report of the panel.

“At the end of the public hearing; the panel recommended 37 police officers for dismissal and 24 were recommended for prosecution.

“The panel also directed the Inspector -General of Police to unravel the identity of 22 officers; involved in the violation of the human rights of innocent citizens.”

Mr. Smith, who received the report, said the PSC would collaborate; and support the NHRC in the promotion of good governance.

In addition he, said “that for effective reform of ‘the much-maligned SARS;’ there must be a deliberate effort to select capable; professional; and credible people to replace the disbanded outfit.”