Panel of Inquiry On SARS Brutality In Rivers State: Fear Grips Notorious Officers Over Calls For Memoranda

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Rivers State government to investigate alleged acts of violence, torture, brutality, murder and violation of fundamental rights of citizens committed by officers of the Nigeria police force, particularly the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) says it has begun collection of memoranda.

A statement jointly signed by the Commission’s Chairman, Retired Justice Chukwunenye I. Uriri and Secretary, George C. Nwaeke, said affected persons, the general public, corporate bodies, ministries and extra-ministerial departments are requested to submit fifteen (15) hard copies or one soft copy on CD or flash drive of their memoranda and addressed to the Commission’s secretariat at Room 3030 3rd floor, Wing A, Point Block, State Secretariat Complex, Port Harcourt.

Also expected to submit their memorandum to the Commission are agencies, parastatals, groups and individuals who have been affected by the alleged brutal activities of the rogue police unit.

According to the statement, the memoranda must be received by the Commission on or before Monday, 16th November, 2020 between the hours of 8am and 4pm from Monday to Fridays.

This announcement, which has been published and announced in the mainstream print and electronic media in the state, may not have gone down well with officers of the defunct SARS in Rivers State who are said to be gripped with fears of possible indictment.

A source at the Rivers State Police Command headquarters in Moscow Road, Port Harcourt who preferred anonymity, told this medium that officers were seen in groups, discussing the publication as they peered at a newspaper.

“For officers who may be indicted, it will be judgement day.  You know that one day for the thief, one day for the owner”, quipped the police officer who confesses to be a born-again Christian.

Recall that Governor Nyesom Wike had on Friday, October 30, 2020 inaugurated the Commission which had the following as members: Hon (Justice)Chukwunenye I. Uriri, George C. Nwaeke (Secretary), Mrs. Florence Amiesimaka (FIDA), Tonye Ibisiki Esq. (NBA), Karl Chinedu Uchegbu (Civil Society), Chijioke Ihunwo (Youth Group), and Barrister SomieteInko-Tariah (Counsel to the Commission).

As part of its terms of reference, the Commission was expected to ascertain and identify amongst others, the remote and immediate causes of alleged acts of violence, torture, brutality, murder and violation of fundamental rights of citizens committed by officers, men and operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly SARS.

The commission is also to ascertain whether any of the above-named officers were sponsored, counselled and or procured by any person or group of persons or officers of the Rivers State government to carry out their nefarious acts, identify the officers, men and operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly SARS who carried out, committed and/or participated in the commission of alleged acts of violence, torture, brutality, murder and/or violation of fundamental rights of citizens including other atrocities in Rivers State, identify the victims of the said alleged acts of violence, torture, brutality, murder and/or other atrocities committed by men of the force and ascertain the motive, if any, of the officers, men and/or operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the SARS who committed or participated in the commission of the alleged acts of violence, torture, murder, brutality and violation of fundamental rights and/or other atrocities that occurred in Rivers State.