At least 32 operatives of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) are currently in detention, TheCable can report.
A source told TheCable that the arrested officers were moved to Abuja from different state commands during the weekend.
“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.”
Ibrahim
Idris, inspector-general of police, who reportedly ordered their
arrests, is said to have assembled a team of top police investigators to
look into their cases.
TheCable learnt that they are being investigated for cases ranging from extortion, robbery, rape, amomg others.
The
commands where the suspects were serving have been directed to report
to Abuja with proofs and exhibits needed in the course of investigation.
The source said Lagos command has the highest number of suspects, next to 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.
Yusuf Kolo, assistant commissioner of police in
charge of SARS at the force headquarters, refused to speak 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.”
There is currently a nationwide campaign to scrap the outfit based on alleged excesses of its personnel.