IGP arrests 32 SARS operative for alleged robbery, rape, other offences

-Investigation panel has been set up to probe the case of the accused SARS officers

Police arrest 32 SARS officers

Not less than 32 operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) are currently being detained

The arrested SARS officers were transferred to Abuja during the weekend, from the different state commands they served, TheCable reported.

“The suspects, who are all male, are now being held at various detention cells of the Federal SARS at Guzape District Abuja,” the source said.

“Since their arrival in Abuja, their family members and lawyers have not been allowed to see them based on an order from above.”

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, who was said to have ordered their arrests, has also reportedly instituted a team of top police investigators to probe their cases.

The arrested officers are being investigated for cases bordering on extortion, robbery, rape, among others offences.

The different commands where the accused were serving have been instructed to appear in Abuja along with their proofs and exhibits required in the course of investigation.

The source revealed that the Lagos command has the highest number of suspects, followed by the federal capital territory (FCT).

“Their immediate orderly room trial and punitive measures will also become part of the ongoing moves to stem the tide of alleged impunity being campaigned against the police institution,” the source said.

“At a recent meeting with the police management team, the IGP decided to apply prompt punishment for any SARS officer found wanting, here in Abuja instead of their commands where such cases are not properly handled.

Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of SARS at the force headquarters, Yusuf Kolo, refused to comment on the arrest when contacted by TheCable.

Kolo said his job is “purely operational and investigative in nature”.

However, Jimoh Moshood, force public relations officer, confirmed the arrests but did not disclose the number of operatives in detention.

“I am aware of their investigation but I don’t know the number of people involved,” he told TheCable.

“The nature of the investigation is such that if possible, the persons involved would be arrested.”

Meanwhile, there is a national outcry that the SARS should be ended, based on alleged excesses of its personnel.