Presidential Panel on SARS Reform recommends dismissal of 37, prosecution of 24 others

Thirty seven (37) operatives of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad have been recommended for dismissal from service while 24 others will be prosecuted for various acts of professional misconduct

This is against the backdrop of the report of the Presidential Panel on Reform of SARS set up by the Federal Government in 2018 to reform the unit.

The presidential panel had, among other things, investigated allegations of human rights violations and abuse of office against SARS and recommended reform or restructuring of the outfit.

While Presenting the report to the Police Service Commission, PSC Chairman, Musiliu Smith, in Abuja on Friday, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu, called for a speedy implementation of the panel recommendations.

A statement by the PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, said Ojukwu noted that the PSC chairman has the capacity to deal appropriately with the report of the panel.

“We have come to see a PSC determined to play a leading role in the reform of the Nigeria Police Force”.

The NHRC boss stated that the reform was the most topical issue in the country at present, adding that a lot was expected from the commission.

“the panel called for and received 113 complaints on alleged human rights violations from across the country and 22 memoranda on suggestions on how to reform and restructure SARS and the Nigeria Police in general” the statement said.

“Ojukwu said, at the end of the public hearing, the panel recommended 37 police officers for dismissal and 24 were recommended for prosecution”.