#EndSARS: Police Speak On Criminals Escaping SARS Detention

The Lagos State Police Command has denied that some suspects escaped the cells of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ikeja.

Naija News reports that social media has been awash with reports of criminals and kidnap suspects fleeing from SARS custody during a transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti.

In a statement on Friday, the Command spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, denied the reports.

The police spokesperson described the reports as an unfounded, baseless and mischievous rumour.

“The attention of the Lagos State Command has been drawn to a rumour making waves on the social media that some suspects of the disbanded SARS escaped from the cell at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos State on Wednesday.

“The command perceives such rumour unfounded, mischievous and baseless. It is an attempt to cause fear and panic in the minds of Lagosians, and distracting the command.

“In line with the directive of the IGP, the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, has taken over the disbanded SARS and other tactical units’ buildings in Ikeja and other satellite offices across the state, including the suspects.

“It’s pertinent to state that some of the suspects, who have been convicted, have undergone COVID-19 test which is a prerequisite to accepting them into correctional centres; but the command awaits their results before further actions. “The suspects in all the cases handled by the disbanded SARS are intact.

“The Deputy Commissioner of Police, State CID, Panti, Yaba, DCP Yetunde Longe, has temporarily relocated to the disbanded SARS building at Ikeja for thorough supervision and accountability of the taking over the process.

“The command, therefore, urges the public to regard the news as a rumour, baseless and mischievous to suit the intention of the originator(s) as the command is committed to reforming the policing system and providing adequate security for all in the state.”