#EndSARS campaign gains momentum as Police authorities dismiss 4 SARS operatives, charge them to court

The #EndSARS campaign which started on social media has gained momentum following the dismissal of four policemen attached to Special Anti Robbery Squad Ikeja, Lagos (SARS).

 The disciplinary measure was disclosed to newsmen on Sunday by CSP Dolapo Badmos, Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 2 Command.

The officers who were detained and later dismissed are Sgt Adeoye Adekunle, Sgt Adeniran Adebowale, Sgt Agbi Lucky and Sgt Odighe Hehosa.

Recall that the #EndSARS campaigner have been using their platform to protest against the activities of the police unit which have been accused of extortion , harassment, robbery , intimidation and extra- judicial killings.

There have also been public demonstrations for and against the continued existence of the dreaded anti-crime unit of the Nigeria Police Force.

According CSP Badmos, the Assistant Inspector General in charge of zone 2 command, AIG Adamu Ibrahim has upheld the recommendation of police disciplinary body that recommended dismissal of four policemen attached to Special Anti Robbery Squad Ikeja, Lagos (SARS).

The four policemen, according to Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit – PCRRU- were dismissed and subsequently charged to court on offences of Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Unlawful detention, Intimidation and threatening violence being the report of the Investigation carried out against them when one Mr Chukwudi Godwin Odionye popularly referred to as 'Bishop' submitted a petition against the four on May 2, 2018.

PCRRU disclosed that the petitioner in his petition stated that on the 4th of June 2017, he was in his house around Alagbado Lagos when the four armed men stormed his house to effect his arrest on the allegation of performing 'FAKE' miracles.

The petitioner alleged that after his arrest, he was taken to one hotel at Agege where he was detained and threatened to be killed if he fails to cooperate.

 He explained further that on the following day 5th June 2017, he was taken to bank where he was made to transfer seven million Naira (N7million) to one of the operative's account.

However, based on the revelations contained in the petition the AIG ordered Investigation into the case, and it was revealed that no proper police procedure for Investigation was followed in Mr Chukwudi's arrest and that the four SARS operatives actually abducted the man from his house and Unlawfully detained him in the hotel under the guard of the suspects for personal gain.

The four officers, were subsequently found guilty during the orderly room trial for professional misconduct, corrupt practices and discreditable conduct were dismissed and consequently charged to court on criminal charges of Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Unlawful Detention, Stealing, Intimidation and threatening violence.

CSP Badmos while parading the suspects affirmed that the AIG's directive has promised that the force will not tolerate any act of misconduct that undermines the value of International best practices of policing as she stated further that any police officer or men found guilty will not be spared.

Meanwhile, Korede Bello, music star, first Youth ambassador for the Nigerian Police Force in his reaction to the development, revealed that the #EndSARS campaigners' voices are being heard and Justice will take its full course.

He further boasted that the bad eggs that violate/threaten our fundamental rights will be expunged from the force.