SARS disband, short of expectations – Amnesty International lists demands
Amnesty International Nigeria says the disbandment of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) falls short of expectations.
Osai Ojigho, the Director, said the announcement did not disclose how the issues would be addressed.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, on Sunday, noted that the operatives would be deployed to State formations.
Amnesty International is displeased and has listed its demands.
Ojigho said: “Today’s announcement by the IGP disbanding the infamous SARS falls short of demands for accountability and justice for abuses committed by the unit and the police in general.”
“Disbanding SARS must be supported by addressing the underlying issues that allowed impunity to thrive.”
AI is seeking immediate and unhindered access to SARS and other police detention centres by oversight bodies such as Police Service Commission, National Human Rights Commission, as well as lawyers and human rights defenders.
“Immediate investigation and prosecution of all police officers who have been accused of grave human rights violations such as extrajudicial executions, torture, and other ill-treatment.
“A clear and concise timeline for the implementation of the reforms to end police atrocities is key to safeguarding trust between Nigerians and the authorities”, Ojigho added.
