Witness narrates how Ex-HoS, allies diverted public funds to private companies in court
NBA calls for the audit of SARS detention centres
By Modupe Shodeinde
The Nigerian Bar Association has said the mere pronouncement of SARS disbandment is not enough to put an end to the nationwide protests against brutality, the Federal Government should show sincerity by throwing all detention centres open.
The President of the association, Mr. Olumide Akpata, on Tuesday made this call at a press conference in Abuja as the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, had said that the Special Weapons and Tactics Team would be set up in replacement of the disbanded SARS.
However, Akpata stated that rather than just mere pronouncements, the Federal Government should show sincerity through a comprehensive audit of all SARS detention centres, to take stock of all detainees.
Speaking on what the government should do to put an end to the protest, Akpata said, “What is key now is sincerity,”
He added, “First and foremost, the issue to address is that the issue of detention centres of SARS around the country where people are detained for alleged offences. They should be addressed.
“As a mark of good faith, and good disclosure, it will be important for the police to throw open these centres just to convince us that not only has SARS been disbanded, but also that indeed its activities have been brought to an end.”
He also said that the public must see that erring SARS operatives are punished or persecuted.
The NBA President also warned security agents against attacking the #SARSMUSTEND campaigners. He said the association had set up a platform for submission of complaints by members of the public.
He stated that the citizens have an inalienable and fundamental right, recognised by the Nigerain Constitution, to protest. He called on governments at all levels to protect those participating in the peaceful protests across the country.
The NBA listed some of the notorious SARS detention centres in the country to include “the infamous ‘human abattoir’ in Abuja”, the one in Awkuzu, Anambra State and the others in Lagos, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
