#EndSARS: Police makes concession as IGP approves rights commission’s audit request

Ibrahim Idris, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has approved the independent audit of detention cells of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) nationwide, as protests against excesses rage on.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had requested access to cells in all police commands and formations in Nigeria in order to “oversee human rights situation of detainees”.

Allegations of human rights abuse have been levelled against SARS operatives and policemen generally.

Currently, there is an ongoing campaign on social media—#EndSARS— to scrap the police outfit.

In a statement, the NHRC urged Nigerians to report incidents of police misconduct to its complaints unit.

The commission was established by the NHRC act, 1995 as amended to deal with all matters relating to promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights in Nigeria.

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“The Inspector-General of @PoliceNG has approved the request of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to commence an independent audit of detention cells in all police commands and formations in Nigeria including those of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS),” the statement read.

“These visits will enable the NHRC oversee the human rights situation of detainees as well as undertake general audit of the state of @PoliceNG detention facilities (cells) in the country.

“This exercise is part of the NHRC 2018 audit of police detention centers in Nigeria.

“Citizens are reminded that the @PoliceNG_PCRRU is available 24/7 to receive complaints of police misconducts via any of the following channels; Calls Only: 0805 700 0001, 0805 700 0002 | SMS and WhatsApp Only: 0805 700 0003 | BBM: 58A2B5DE | Facebook: (link: https://www.facebook.com/PolicePCRRU).”

 

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