From Kamilu Lawal,Katsina
Over thirty Individuals and groups have filed petitions before Katsina state commission of Inquiry into the excesses of the defunct special anti-robbery squad (SARS)of the Nigerian police at it’s Inaugural sitting held at Funtua local government area of Katsina state northwestern Nigeria
Most of the petitions and complaints presented by the petitioners boarded on Unlawful arrest, detention, and extortions by operatives of the special anti-robbery squad of Nigerian police (SARS)
Presenting their complaints before the panel many persons recounted their experience in the hand of SARS officials when they were arrested
One of the petitioners, who is also the secretary ofMiyetti Allah cattle breeders association (MACBAN) Katsina state chapter narrated his ordeal after he was Invited by the headquarters of the squad In Abuja.
Custom’s Strike Force Intercepts Smuggled Items Worth 24 Million Naira
He said he was detained for over a month over an offense he did not know anything about without even taking his statement.
Dozens of other petitioners also lodged their complaints before the panel which bordered on extortion, unlawful arrest, and detention.
In a speech at the commencement of the hearing, the panel chairman justice Abdullahi Bawale of the Katsina state high court assured individuals and groups that presented the petitions at the hearing that the panel will perform his duty with a sense of responsibility and fairness to all parties
The commission of inquiry was set up following a presidential directive to the state to investigate the excesses of the defunct SARS In their various states and to determine further legal actions to be taken against guilty officers.
