A room trial has been introduced as an means of
penalising SARS operatives found culpable of criminal offences.
A number of 32 operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)
have been arrested and are being held at federal detention facilities in Abuja
owned by the police.
A source who spoke to the media company disclosed that the
operatives were detained in different cells and their families and lawyers have
been restricted from getting in touch with them.
“The suspects, who are all male, are now being held at various
detention cells of the Federal SARS at Guzape District Abuja.
“Since their arrival in Abuja, their family members and lawyers
have not been allowed to see them based on an order from above,” The
Cable gathered from the source.
According to reports, the police on the orders of its Inspector
General Ibrahim
Idris has given the go-ahead for a prompt punishment of
SARS operatives who have acted against protocols. This is in response to
protests made by Nigerians calling for an end to the police department due to
the involvement of its officials in acts of intimidation against civilians.
States such as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos,
Delta and Rivers saw a crowd of disgruntled people protest with placards expressing a disapproval
concerning the continuance of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad which has failed
to live up to the purpose of its creation.
A group of people
comprising of mostly women are also asking that SARS remain in existence. The hashtag #SupportSARS is
preaching a reformed SARS instead which is expected to bring about a safer
Nigeria and a crime free country.
