The Lagos State Police Command has begun the implementation of the recommendations of a panel of inquiry into complaints of professional misconduct by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Anti-Cultism Unit and Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
This was revealed on Monday by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi.
Imohimi said the recommendations critically assessed past and current allegations of human rights abuses against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Anti-Kidnapping Squad and Anti-Cultism Squad.
He said the panel, headed by a Commissioner of Police, had credible journalists and lawyers from reputable chambers and human rights bodies and has made careful recommendations that would make SARS to be in tune with democratic policing and international best practices.
Imohimi, who addressed reporters newsmen on Monday, said: “They were tasked to look into all allegations of human rights abuses against officers and men of the units and give recommendations to prevent reoccurrence.
“They were tasked to profile personnel currently posted to the unit and determine their suitability to continue in the units.
“They also made recommendations for the immediate training of officers and men of the units on the principles and tenets of fundamental human rights and the rule of law.
“Disturbing issues relating to investigation of civil matters, illegal detentions, prolonged and unconstitutional detentions, safety and custody of exhibits, welfare of suspects and detainees, sexual abuses, molestation in any form, right to bail with an emphasis that bail is and must remain free among other areas that the panel has deemed reasonable for modification would be overhauled to sharpen the force’s performance and boost its image.
“I have reviewed this report with senior officers in my management team.
“We have looked at it and all the recommendations therein and we have resolved to immediately implement those short term aspects that we can give directives at the level of the command to ensure that we make the SARS more professional, result-oriented and more in tune with international best practices and modern day democratic policing.
“However the long term aspects that require approvals from Force Headquarters will be passed onto the appropriate quarters for review and necessary approvals.”
Imohimi, however, called on the traditional media to be circumspect when dealing with social media reports.