Police dismiss four SARS personnel over armed-robbery, kidnapping
Joy Anyim, Lagos
Four operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad(SARS), Lagos State Police Command Ikeja have been dismissed by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of zone 2 command, AIG Adamu Ibrahim.
The dismissal of the suspects –Sgt Adeoye Adekunle, Sgt Adenira Adebowale, Sgt Agbi Lucky and Sgt Odighe Hehosa – follows the recommendation of police disciplinary body which was subsequently upheld by the AIG.
On the reason for their dismissal, information has it that one Chukwudi Godwin Odionye ( Also known as Bishop)had on May 2nd, 2018 submitted a petition against the four to the office of the AIG.
It was learnt that the petitioner in his petition stated that on June 4th 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.
According to a statement by AIG Ibrahim, signed by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, CSP Dolapo Badmos, Odionye stated 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.
Ibrahim said, ” The petitioner explained further that on the following day being June 5th, 2017, he was taken to the bank where he was made to transfer N7million to one of the operative’s account.
” On the receipt of the petition I ordered Investigation into the case. On the strength of Investigation it was revealed that no proper police procedure for Investigation was followed in Odionye’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.”
With the findings of the investigation, the SARS operatives were found guilty during the orderly room trial for professional misconduct, corrupt practices and discreditable conduct and ultimately dismissed.
They have also been charged to court on criminal charges of armed-robbery, kidnapping, unlawful detention, stealing, Intimidation and threatening violence.
CSP Dolapo Badmos who also paraded the suspects reiterated the AIG’S directive saying the force will not tolerate any act of misconduct that undermines the value of International best practices of policing.
” Any police officer or men found guilty will not be spared,” she maintained.
