Amnesty International Nigeria says disbanding the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police falls short of accounting for abuses by the police
Director of the group, Osai 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.”
He advises “immediate and unhindered access to SARS and other police detention centres” by oversight bodies.
The bodies include the Police Service Commission, National Human Rights Commission, as well as lawyers and human rights defenders.
The group also wants “immediate investigation and prosecution” of all police officers accused of grave human rights violations.
It also wants a “clear and concise” timeline for the implementation of reforms to end police atrocities.”
It is “key to safeguarding trust between Nigerians and the authorities,” said Ojigho.
