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END SARS Protesters

Amnesty Worldwide Nigeria has accused the Federal Authorities of empowering officers of Particular Anti-Theft Squad (SARS) to maltreat Nigerians by not holding any of them accountable.

It stated regardless of passing the anti-torture invoice in 2017, there may be continous proof SARS operatives proceed to make use of torture and different ill-treatment to execute, punish and extract info from suspects.

AI added that SARS officers have turned their responsibility to guard Nigerians into a possibility for extortion and stealing cash, property and different valuables belonging to suspects and their households.

The organisation said this in its report, ‘Time to finish Impunity, Amnesty Worldwide paperwork at the least 82 instances of torture, unwell therapy and extra-judicial execution by SARS between January 2017 and Might 2020.’

It stated Nigerian authorities should transcend lip service and guarantee there may be actual reform.

AI, in an announcement by its Media Supervisor, Isa Sanusi alleged: “The Nigerian authorities have didn’t prosecute a single officer from the infamous Particular Anti-Theft Squad (SARS), regardless of anti-torture laws handed in 2017 and proof that its members proceed to make use of torture and different ill-treatment to execute, punish and extract info from suspects.”

“Nigerians are outraged by the impunity with which SARS perpetrates horrific human rights violations.

“The whole failure of Nigerian authorities to deliver an finish to the gross human rights violations perpetuated by the Particular Anti-Theft Squad or to deliver any SARS officer to justice is stunning and unacceptable. Nigerians are outraged by the systemic human rights violations perpetrated by the SARS with impunity,” stated Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty Worldwide Nigeria.

“The systemic use of torture and different unwell therapy by SARS officers for police investigations and the continued existence of torture chambers inside the Nigerian Police Power factors to an absolute disregard for worldwide human rights legal guidelines and requirements.”

AI added: “Amnesty Worldwide’s investigation reveals a disturbing sample of abuse of detainees in SARS custody regardless of the 2017 Anti-Torture Act.

“In lots of instances, Amnesty Worldwide bore witness to the scars, bruises, and dried blood on victims’ our bodies. Lots of them have been subjected to beatings with sticks and machetes and denied medical care.

“The findings of this report additionally present that these horrific violations have been carried out beneath the supervision of high-ranking law enforcement officials.

“Pervasive torture and different ill-treatment stay routine follow throughout SARS’ every day operations and at its detention centres.

“One of many officers used an exhaust pipe to hit me on my tooth, breaking my tooth.

“Miracle, 23 In March 2017, 23-year-old Miracle was arrested and detained by SARS officers in Neni, Anambra State, southeast Nigeria, accused of the theft of a laptop computer. He was tortured and given hardly any meals through the 40 days he was in detention earlier than he was charged and introduced earlier than a courtroom.

“…their chief directed them to go and hold me. They took me to the again of the corridor and tied me with ropes. Then they began utilizing all method of things to beat me, together with machetes, sticks, inflicting me with every kind of accidents. One of many officers used an exhaust pipe to hit me on my tooth, breaking my tooth. I used to be left on that hanger for greater than three hours…”

“In October 2018, 24-year-old Sunday Bang, an novice boxer was arrested in his dwelling in Abuja, by SARS officers and accused of theft. He was held in detention for five weeks with out entry to household, attorneys or medical care – and was not charged in courtroom. Whereas in SARS detention, he suffered bone fractures and different accidents on account of torture and different unwell therapy.

“No circumstances in any way could also be invoked as a justification of torture. In lots of instances the victims are the poor and susceptible, simple targets for regulation enforcement officers whose duty it’s to guard them,” stated Osai Ojigho.

“From extortion to stealing cash and property Throughout Nigeria, SARS officers have turned their responsibility to guard Nigerians into a possibility for extortion and stealing cash, property and different valuables belonging to suspects and their households. Since 2016, Amnesty Worldwide has documented 15 instances the place SARS officers arbitrarily confiscated suspects’ property.

“Younger folks between the ages of 17 and 30 are most susceptible to arrest, torture or extortion by SARS. They’re usually accused of being web fraudsters and/or armed robbers. Younger males with dreadlocks, ripped denims, tattoos, flashy vehicles or costly devices are steadily focused by SARS.”

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