#EndSARS Archives -

How To Tackle Police Brutality.

Cmoni / April 16, 2023

If someone puts their hands on you make sure they never put their hands on anybody else again. ~ Malcom X Once again we are seeing incidents of police brutality. I earlier wrote that it is not as if these shameful acts of our police officers abated after the #EndSARS protest. No, it just happens that they now try to avoid the cameras but unfortunately for them, Nigerians are bolder, so they record and expose the crimes on social media. However, it is worrisome that many seem to have given up on getting justice. It is not unusual to see comments like “nothing go happen”, and “they will be released the next day” when the police authority reports that perpetrators have been arrested. Of course, it’s easy to understand these feelings in a country where those tasked with protecting citizens are oftentimes the ones harming and in extreme cases taking the lives of citizens. But sometimes it is impatience and ignorance rather than despair that let off offenders in uniform. But we cannot relent. We must continue building Nigeria to a much saner clime. I will scroll back to 2003 and narrate my experience with police brutality to show that our police officers will actually do their job if we demand accountability. I was driving to Enugu with 3 friends when we were stopped at Oji River. After searching my car the police sergeant demanded the vehicle documents which I willingly handed over to him. He then started asking silly irrelevant questions and I initially answered till he asked where I made the money to buy a BMW. For one, Amawbia to Enugu is my regular route and I barely had issues with policemen over the years. Secondly, as a businessman who travels frequently on Nigerian roads, handling the police is a prerequisite skill. And finally, I am a friend of the police by virtue of proximity as my filling station is opposite the State CID and I actually supply the state command petroleum products. So I was more angry than perplexed and retorted, “You should have asked who I am instead”. To which he instantly barked, “Oh you want to impress your friends eh kwa. You want to show them that you can handle the police. Oya come and tell me who you are”. He immediately grabbed my jeans by the waist and started dragging me away. It all escalated so fast that I was halfway to the parked pickup van before I recovered from the shock and raised my voice in protest. “What have I done?” was replied with slaps until he got to the van and asked me to jump in. I refused and continued querying him about my offence. My friend who also recovered from the shocking incident rushed across the road to his superior asking him to intervene. I felt relieved when the inspector, an elderly man shouted at him. “Hey, Samuel hold it there!” The inspector crossed over and asked him what happened. He said I insulted him and refused to obey a lawful order. To my utter dismay without hearing from me the inspector ordered me to jump into the van! Of course, I refused again. An action which I will regret for the rest of my life. They numbered about four and all of them descended on me. I was beaten to a pulp with fists and batons and by the time I was eventually bundled into the van my left shoulder was dislocated. All the pleas from my friends fell on deaf ears. I was asked to surrender my car keys and my friend was ordered to drive my car to Enugu with them. In that excruciating pain, I was left behind the van as they drove all the way to Enugu. For context, a dislocation is classified as one of the most painful injuries. Some police officers can be heartless! We got to their station and I was ordered to sit on the floor. The DPO came out, heard their story and then invited my friend into his office to hear from him. I was later called in and when he heard about my shoulder the first thing he did was to feel the joint. It was evident that this was an experienced officer. He immediately shouted at the inspector. “So you injured this man and instead of taking him to the hospital you brought him here?” The inspector tried to say that I was acting but he was shouted down and instructed to take me to the hospital immediately. I was driven back to the Orthopaedic hospital where my shoulder was fixed. We went back to the station but the DPO had left and we were told to return tomorrow. The next day I came with the full paraphernalia of a successful businessman. I had my lawyer, a colleague in the oil industry and my mentor who incidentally was the DPO’s friend. The idea was to intimidate the entire station and that was exactly what we did. The officers were summoned and pulled off duty. The DPO asked them to plead with me not to submit a petition to the commissioner. For the first time in my life, I witnessed and relished the humiliation of offending police officers as they prostrated and begged. I refused and told the DPO that we will submit the petition. The following week an officer friend, the inspector’s daughter and her husband sauntered into my office clutching a bottle of wine. She introduced herself as a teacher, her husband works at UNN. They pleaded for me to forgive and withdraw my petition. She went on to explain that they have been begging their dad to retire since his 5 children could take care of him but he refused because he wanted to be promoted to ASP before his retirement. My friend explained the reason behind this; apparently, there is a huge salary/pension margin between the two ranks. Well, I called my lawyer and

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Soro Soke Generation: A Beacon Of Hope For Nigeria’s Redemption

Cmoni / August 3, 2022

Our over-aged leaders are not, and will likely never be willing to relinquish power or take proactive measures that will ensure the influx of youth in leadership.

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Rebirth

Cmoni / January 28, 2022

As soon as I ended the call from the hospital, I did not spare a moment to think of the implication of my subsequent actions. All I hankered for was to rush to the hospital and dish out a piece of my mind to the doctors at the hospital and whoever cared to listen. Papa was in a bad shape; the tumor was spreading like wildfire. It was just not logical to discharge him, at least, not yet. We sold almost everything to raise money for his treatment. Our expectation was to return home with a healthy father or at worst, a better looking father. In anger, I rushed to the room picked the small umbrella behind the door, shoved it under my wet armpit, and dashed out. I walked as fast as my feeble feet could carry me. The umbrella came in handy when the sun grew unfriendly. Taking a taxi or a bus that moment was a luxury I could not afford; it was not even an option to be considered. We were broke, miserable, and plagued. I caught myself twice voicing my woes into the thin air as I journeyed to the hospital. Bystanders must have mistaken me for retarded girl burdened by the sorrows of life, and they won’t be far from the truth. I arrived the hospital sweaty-faced, dusty feet, and my worn-out gown glued to my wet body. All my rants fell on deaf ears as no one bothered to look my way. I felt stupid after the janitor narrated how the poor citizens were forced to vacate the private wards to create room for significant citizens of the country who were sick and could not go aboard for medical vacation because of the corona virus outbreak. It sounded untrue to my ears but true to my heart. It became obvious to me that it was our turn to be served the hot bowl of injustice. I accepted the fate before us bit by bit until I could no longer feel its crushing weight. The pains in Papa’s eyes killed me a million and two times to the degree that I craved my own tears. I placed a call across to uncle Dabo who grudgingly showed up ten minutes later. We were on our way home when we heard the announcement of the one-week lockdown due to the continuous spread of the virus. Uncle hissed and hauled curses on the government. He was more worried about his business than he was of papa’s condition. The following week was unbearable for us because papa’s flesh began to waste. He would curl his body in unimaginable shapes, maybe, to release the pain into the atmosphere. The pains glued his tongue to the roof of his mouth: he could not eat, drink, or speak. When he couldn’t bear it anymore, he transitioned to glory in his sleep that Sunday morning. We wailed, but no one showed up. We grieved, but no one cared. We were forced to bury him in a shallow grave we dug at a corner in the compound later that day. * It was hunger that first pushed us to join the ENDSARS protest the next week. But as soon as we found food, a reason or maybe an opportunity showed up for us to fight the injustice, spewed at us, that led papa to the grave. The new friends I made on the protest ground all had their tales of horror. Their tales of horror clustered around my chest making it extremely difficult for me breathe at some point. These tales folded their claws around my intestines like a dark Owl of the North feasting on its prey. My stomach soon began to rumble in fear. I was scared for my life. I was scared of becoming rich or famous. I was terrified by the thought of being shot by an officer for looking good or owing an item of luxury. While on the street, we were kneaded by our desire to demand a better tomorrow. We were united by our fears and pains, but we were oblivious of the fact that the day of doom was nigh. In a cruel twist of fate, the atmosphere changed that afternoon; it became cloudy and too breezy for comfort. The strange but familiar atmosphere got us throwing gazes at the sky hoping to catch a glimpse of whatever was about to descend. Our eyes failed us, but our nostrils were favoured to pick the stench of decayed cadavers in warm blood floating in the air. Our nostrils picked the stench of death even before its bearers appeared. We saw them from a distance, kitted and decorated in their unmistaken regalia. At that point, it was difficult to convince our feeble minds that another holocaust was not about to happen. My heart jumped out of my body but quickly rushed back in to watch from within as events unfold. Within split second, the protesters had formed a cluster as thick as the cloud above us. Fear hovered above our heads and subdued us to silence. The man leading the brigade of armed men ordered us to disperse, but our numbed legs couldn’t even move. I was certain that any attempt to run or even move a limb would result in a stampede. It was a battle; our world against theirs, a matter of life and death. Death was staring at us in the face: she, he, or it was just a trigger away. The tension grew and heartbeats became deafening. The awkwardness forced them to retreat for few minutes. Then Dayo, my new friend, spoke up with his chest moving in an unusual but visible way. ‘I grew up in the barracks, and I know for certain that we have a right to protest. All we need to do is to raise the Nigerian flag high or sing the national anthem and they will let us be’, he admonished. He sounded like the Martin

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Phases Of The Thunder Clap by Mbam Chukwuemeka.

Cmoni / January 7, 2021

“Nothing strengthens authority as much as silence” – Leonardo da Vince. Early April 2017, under ruddy contemplation of societal breakdown; the first campaign sprouted. The vehemence slowly building like a sea storm, the awareness spreading like wild fire, from the over populated streets of twitter to the congested residential areas of average citizens. The clouds have begun to gather, those guilty of laundry have begun to gather their garments. Truth must be told “it is either you become the rain or leave the way “. while the clouds gathered and the sun began its journey away from the skies, a lot of people failed to read the bold handwriting on the wall. The unpropitious deeds still found way and the citizens became victims at all levels. The severity of those meant to abide by the law progressed for a long time till the belt snapped and the wheels in the engine of the nation stopped. The clouds have gathered, the sky rumbles like a man with an upset stomach, the panic is demonstrable on all faces. While the clouds assembled and the sun began to move away, let me take you to – BEFORE THE THUNDER CLAP At first, in the early period of the year 1820, the Police Force of Nigeria was birthed. The police force of the then Lagos colony was established first in 1896 under the colonial masters of English dynasty. The aim of this early organization was simply to ensure internal safety in general, penitentiary, immigration and custom duties as well as the execution of military duties in and outside the country. The major population of this early Nigerian police housed a lot of British officers than indigenious Nigerians. This officers, more at the helm of policing affairs saw to it that British interests were propagated. The indigenous Nigerians that were part of the police at that time were fed with the orientation of securing and protecting the unpopular British government officials from the ever growing wrath of Africans and the quick sweeping gust of nationalism. A more original force was established in the year 1930 with a Nigerian at her helm. However, the sad orientation and trainings given to the police didn’t change that much to grasp the true fact that a police service’s primary duty is to secure the citizen instead of working as stooges to VIPs. This unfortunate turn, will continue later to haunt the Nigerian system constantly till; maybe when the whole structure is ripped apart and a much modern structure is devised. As time progressed and the new states were acquired, the population of the young nation bloomed and attention needed to be shifted to the people as security needs began to surmount. The Nigerian police became more distinct in local disputes, crime bursting and community service. The ever increasing needs triggered the creation of other varying units and departments to cater for other unique needs of the Nigerian people. This development brought to the light, new police units such as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), State Security Service (SSS), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), the recently disbanded and controversial unit called the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and of course, the newly established Special Weapons And Tactics unit (SWAT) amongst others. However, at an ugly dead-end, nearly all the various units of the police force have all failed to recognize their primary duties and the need to respect the average Nigerian citizen despite the motto of the force that says, “The police is your friend”. The initial orientation and the gross ignorance gorging up the system is leading to a decay in this security system that the citizens are not entailed to adequate security rights and if they must, they will be bound to pay for these services differently. This is the reason for the hike in police misconduct, bribery and corruption, favouritism and neglect amongst other evils in the force. This, at this moment brings us to another phase… THE THUNDER CLAP In the last few days of the epic year 2017, the Nigerian singer Runtown made the first EndSars hashtag on Twitter. This marked the beginning of the collective voicing as several victims of police brutality began to recount their shocking encounters with this ruthless and brutal unit of the Nigerian Police Force popularly called SARS. 7th October 2020 saw the first EndSars protest march become a reality from the online streets of Twitter to the overcrowded streets of Lagos. Collectively, hundreds of young Nigerians lifted up their hands in strong solidarity and protested against police excesses, brutality, extortion and murders which as claimed their brothers, fathers, sisters, friends and other loved ones. However, the short sighted leadership of the nation failed to see beyond the protest and address the rising issues immediately. The protests swept from Lagos to other states of the federation including Enugu, Rivers, Anambra, Edo and the FCT amongst other states. The wide international attention the campaign generated also proved the vehemence of the youths as mighty media houses like CNN, BBC, Al-Jezera and The Sun bore details of it. Great personalities in leadership, entertainment and sports all over the world aired their views in support of Nigerians as the protests progressed and turned more bloody. AFTER THE THUNDER CLAP It is known that after the thunder claps, the winds that brings in the storm is expected. The aftermath of the EndSars protest across the nation is yet to wear off. There will be no mincing of words to say that this protest that gathered widespread attention was only targeted to end the controversial police unit. The 5 for 5 demands of the protesters exposes the fact the youths needed more than the disbandment of the unit. They wanted a total reform of the police, they wanted the government to respond intimately with them, they needed responsiveness and sadly, the present leadership of the nation has failed to see that or has chosen to turn a blind eye. Citizens all

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The #EndSARS Protest: Light At The End Of The Tunnel by Folarin Oluwatimilehin.

Cmoni / November 6, 2020

The humble beginning on Twitter Three days after Nigeria clocked 60, I found myself sitting on a tattered mat at an unusual corner in the room. I had just finished the daily struggle, and as usual, my house was enveloped in darkness due to the epileptic power supply in the nation. To while away time before consuming two wraps of moimoi I bought, my eyes gazed randomly while surfing the internet. Strangely, the breeze of information seems different. Just after swimming out of an article by Omole Adegboyega on “the optimistic future of Nigeria,” my eyes landed on one of the trending news on Twitter. The hashtag #EndSARS caught my attention, and barely a few days later, what seems to be an online agitation against various horrendous actions of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) escalated to a nationwide protest. In the twinkling of an eye, crowds began to gather in major cities in Nigeria to demand complete abolition of the nefarious SARS who have been perpetrating the evil they were created to curtail. SARS to SWAT: Nigerians refused to give in to disguise from the government The decision of the Inspector General of Police to announce a mere re-naming of SARS to SWAT made Nigerians fume at the debasing style of governance by people in power. Do these people think that the shattered education sector will make us gullible entities? Definitely, No! In fact, the fight gradually slipped from just combating against SARS to objecting the maladministration of leaders, and progressively metamorphosed into a united call for a ‘new Nigeria’ which we all desire. With the economic condition of the assumed giant of Africa becoming unfavourable day-by-day, it was the best time for Nigerians to extend their grievances, and seek justice in the face of unfriendly high cost of living. The peaceful protest lingered for days and was sustained by the unique unification of determined citizens. Amazingly, disparities in tribes, religion, ethnicity, and all, were put aside to express our dissatisfaction with the unit exploiting and threatening lives of citizens they were created to protect. Interestingly, I was not left out in this call for justice as I excitingly joined the struggle with all enthusiasm and passion. The gloomy Tuesday – the day a new colour was added to the Nigerian Flag As the protest gained ground in major cities in Nigeria, certainly, “20th October, 2020,” will never be forgotten in the book of history. It was the day a new colour was added to our national flag – deep crimson red, by some soldiers under the order of forces beyond the control of Lagos State number one citizen. Not being intimidated by sporadic shootings, the peaceful protesters who assembled at Lekki tollgate vociferating against Police Brutality kept singing our national anthem. Even though the massacre punctuated a diplomatic protest that has lived for about two weeks, nevertheless, that day birthed a new revolution we have all been waiting for. Politicians started to nurse fear within their hearts not to take any wrong step in this season. Also, police officers and other security men halted the barbaric act of collecting illicit money from innocent citizens that are working tirelessly to survive. For the first time in my two decades treading roads in Nigeria, I did not see men in uniform collecting funds unlawfully. All thanks to this generation of youths that voiced out en masse at the atrocious deeds perpetrated by people vested with power. Protest hijack – a political tool that has been exposed Sadly, many people erroneously claimed that the peaceful protest was hijacked by some bad eggs widely referred to as hoodlums. However, truth be told, this is just a play of words to make Nigerians back out on an undiluted drive for a better nation via the instrumentality of protest. During elections, the politicians that call these set of people, hoodlums, label them as political thugs to achieve their politically–motivated goals, and afterwards, dump them on the street to till the ground and get beaten by suffering. Since the youth have started the engine for a revamp running of the democratic system in Nigeria, we are hopeful that sooner or later, the gap between the rich and poor will be shortened, and we will all look back to 20th October, 2020 – as a day that birthed an uneasy but crucial re-independence of Nigeria. The waking up of politicians to be conscious of their role Few days into the protest, there was already the awakening of recurrent negotiations to resolve a 7-month old industrial strike embarked by university lecturers. Why do our leaders need an external push to do the needful? Nigeria’s democratic system has sadly turned into a guaranteed avenue for people with debauched motives to make empty promises, and at the end of one or two tenures, run away with embezzled funds. No need to panic anymore, we have been delivered from that when Nigerians marched to the street to voice out against the atrocious SARS – which invariably led to the reformation of even the minds of politicians in power. Interestingly, the Oba of Lagos was also made to know that he is declining in his responsibility as the people of Lagos defiled the respect they have for him. He was made to pay for his failed leadership. The king and his cohorts will also turn a new leaf after the unforeseen transfer of aggression on his palace. Reinforcing ‘leaders – populace’ relationship Undoubtedly, Nigerians have communicated vehemently that the leaders they vote into power should not only get interested in their welfare during campaigns but across all the days of their stay in office. Leaders are meant to harken to the demands of the masses, and not just fuel family interest. Indisputably, the governor of Oyo State – Seyi Makinde, demonstrated what true leadership entails by nursing the interest of his people during the protest period. Periodically, he addressed citizens of Oyo state and took pro-active towards ensuring that their demands are met. Surely, our undiluted potent fusion of protest on social media and across the streets breathed confidence into Nigerians that their voice can contribute to the rebuilding of politicians’ mindset. Conclusion – Light at the end of the tunnel For several decades, Nigeria has been ruled by relatively aged ones. This has, however, added salt to the wound being sustained for several years. While the challenges facing our nation keep multiplying at the hands of these venerable leaders, corruption has also taken Nigeria into the mud. Youths who are tired of being maltreated, are ready to take the bull by the horns to ensure that the nation is no more mockingly addressed as ‘absurdity of abundance’ despite the profuse resources in the land. In all, the feat attained in approximately two weeks of protest which led to the disbandment of SARS, and to a visible extent, the reformation of the Nigerian police force has given us a vital assurance that we have the potential to push for positive change. Commendations should be showered on the youths for creating helplines that could respond to emergencies, provide legal services, and amazingly set up fundraising mediums, among many mind-blowing inventions within a short period. This is a clear indication that the problems of Nigeria

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While The Mother Sleeps, The Childen Weep And Bleed by Maryann Ndu.

Cmoni / November 6, 2020

“Peace and Unity” was the song that clouded his mind and the words on his lips. He held up the flag and let tears run down his cheeks uncontrollably. His heart ceased beating rhythmically and his blood all over the place alongside other protesters. Bullets ran into their body for shelter, not to stay peacefully but to do away with their lives. It is no news in Nigeria, the darkness that loomed over us during the peaceful protest of ending the SARS movement. Protest is merely an option that often brings resolution, says Adeleke Adeite, but they chose blood and flood over pleads and bread. We can’t in a hurry forget the Month our so called mother claimed to gain independence from the colonial masters and was free, it was that same Month she unleashed the beast within her on her children, with her eyes closed and sleepy, she dealt with her children and ignored them, Causing them to bleed and wail. Grief filled the atmosphere. We felt our voice must be heard by heading to where we will be clearly seen but death and darkness rested their ugly hands on us and dethroned the voice of our youths. They taught and sang freedom to us but when we threaded that path, it led to doom. Those we called our shields and weapons turned against us and with that same weapon, they slaughtered many. Nigeria became an abattoir for the massacre; says Chiquita Jefa. Our souls wept for the young fallen heroes of our generation and our hearts shredded to pieces when we see the videos of how our young stars were brutally killed; it’s so inhumane that we let out a loud cry. When everyone is crying, who then will wipe out each other’s tears? Our youths rose for the Country and laid for the Country by returning to dust. Their struggles cannot be forgotten in a jiffy. Their pains and integrated voices which was lifted and fell will remain evergreen in our memories. The scar they created laid in the hearts of so many young and old Nigerians. We will forever remember them, the said lazy youths rose to vibrant youths and their vacuum will be recorded in history. The whole event calls for repositioning, and I support the saying that says, “A thousand miles begins with a step”. We have walked a step despite the fear of the miles that are far away, we hope strongly that more steps will be effective. There is no redemption without sacrifice; Jesus proved that on his way to the cross and on the cross. He indeed suffered for the atonement of our sins. They died our death, they bore our pains, they spoke on our behalf. The peaceful protest that started with a prayer walk in all the States was not effectively felt but when it turned to a bloody meal festival, it attracted attention even from other Countries. Just like a saying in one of the movies I saw, it sang “When a student is ready, a teacher appears”. A teacher here might not necessarily mean a human being but can come in form of experiences, sensitivity to environment and so on. Nigerians took the first step to achieve balance in the Country’s entire system, mistakes were done and a teacher appeared to correct all of us through reflections, withdrawal and past experiences. She will therefore equip us with the necessary tools for we to come back again and take the Country and put it in the rightful position that we all long for. The effects of the bloody event was felt in all nook and cranny of the Country and attracted so many other. The aftermath of the event turned out to be tolerance. If we all die, who then will win the fight? We tolerated the deaths and withdrew to avoid more loss. The surviving youths went back to clean up the debris and dirts, packed away the past through them and burnt up all related to it. They cleaned up the bad energy and prepared a way for the invasion of the good energy. We believe that we have shouted and done enough for the mean time. The effects was felt and voices was heard. We are no longer the lazy youths they tagged us to be, we are now vibrant enough to swallow all fears and take necessary effective actions. The momentary turmoil and travails will pass and peace will prevail. Weeping may endure for a night but joy looms, with love and light in the morning, says Adeleke Adeite. We strongly believe in Unity, because in it we stand firmly. Necessary actions will henceforth take place in the Country. The protest and all event that took place is a sign of reformation and Nigeria will embrace the new her. It was a bursting out after swallowing in a lot that caused irritation. Just as it is said, the mind encloses or houses the ideas but the mouth speaks it out. We have voiced out and that alone calls for repositioning silently and in due time, it will sing aloud. Maryann Ndu wrote in via ndumaryfrancis@gmail.com

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#EndSARS by Osanyinro Oluwaseun.

Cmoni / October 16, 2020

If he had known that day would be his last, he would have called his loved ones to say a proper goodbye, he would have teased his best friend one last time, he would have finally manned up to his best friend’s sister and tell her he liked her and envisioned a relationship with her. Too bad! Nobody told him his mother’s answered prayers were going to cause tears soon. Nobody told him the nice knickers his friend gave him as a birthday gift would make him a target. Nobody told him. He was in urgent need of cash that evening and so he strolled to the nearest ATM. With his phone on his right and ATM card on his left hand, he once more rocked his knickers and whistled on his way. About a stone throw to his destination, he suddenly stood still as a car parked beside him. On further observation, he realized who they were. He has heard of them and always hoped never to see them. The shouts of the men for him to stop were he was threw him into confusion at first. They asked for his personal details, where he was coming from and going to which he answered but did not have his ID card to back up. His phone was taken from him and his messages scrolled through. When they asked for the source of the #500,000, he almost laughed. He explained that it was his mother’s money sent by his uncle to complete their house. Her answered prayers. They didn’t believe and the argument began back-and-forth. Soon he resorted to begging them. Maybe they could follow him home and confirm from his mother. The slap that came after three caution away from him because suddenly, he ran. He was sure they were pursuing him so he went the direction of his home. Then he felt a sharp pain in his head and then no pain at all. As he felt down to the ground, he heard screams of passersby and heard the squad car zoom past him. They were not following him to his mother’s house after all. His last thought was “why did I come out this evening?” before he let the blissful darkness welcome him. This is me in the mind of one of the victims I’m so happy the government is taking necessary steps. I’m so happy the youths have a voice once again in Nigeria. #EndSARS-uncultured modus operandi #Jemima Osanyinro Oluwaseun, a graduate of Microbiology and currently a master student of Public Health at the University of Ibadan runs a blog on WordPress deejemima.wordpress.com

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The Glaring Legalized Impunity by Arueze Chisom Precious.

Cmoni / October 9, 2020

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere – Martin Luther King With tears running down his cheeks like that of a baby, grief and pain evident on his face I wondered what could make a grown man cry publicly because men don’t cry in Africa. He said “ I lived in the north for up to twelve years I never lost a finger, I came back here only for somebody to waste my son, there was no war, fighting or riot it’s not like the boy was involved in any fracas or he stole, just cold-bloodedly they wasted this boy for me O! God avenge this boy……” a father who just lost his son to police brutality lamented. The history of SARS. It happens to be that the acronym SARS stands for two different things which do not ring well to Nigerians and the world at large, while one means severe acute respiratory syndrome the other means the special anti-robbery squad. The Special anti robbery squad is a branch of the Nigeria police force under the force criminal investigation and intelligence department ( FCCID). It was founded in 1992 by police commissioner Simeon Danladi Midenda. The major reason SARS was formed was as a result of the killing a Nigerian Army Colonel, Col Rindam at a police check point in Lagos. The army waged war on the police and the police went into hiding thereby making crimes be on the rise. SARS was formed with just 15 officers operating in the shadow without the knowledge of the army. SARS is one of the 14 units in the force criminal investigation and intelligence department which was established to detain, investigate and prosecute people involved in crimes like arm robbery, kidnapping and other forms of crime. SARS now. This evil going on in our country stares right in our faces, not one week will pass without news of how this unit of the police force has either sent a citizen to his or her early grave or have brutally handled another. I shudder at the lack of value for human lives by the SARS officials. The target of these SARS officials are the youth and when the youth of a country suffers negatively it sets the country behind .These sets of people who are meant to secure and protect lives and properties end up doing the opposite.Their Crime range from robbery, extortion, rape, car snatching, torture blackmail, murder, framing etc. Going online will avail you the opportunity to read plethora of stories of how inhumane SARS can be . A routine stop and search turns out to be an avenue for harassment and extortion from Nigerians. To make matters worse they are most times not answerable to these crimes neither are they brought to book. Endless complains are filed but next to nothing is been done about it. What has the government done? The worst type of Injustice is pretended justice – Plato. Since the year 2012 the special anti-robbery squad(SARS) had being connected to cases of extortion, torture, framing and blackmail. In December 2016 Segun Awosanya started the ENDSARS campaign on social media and it went viral with Nigerians sharing their stories. The federal government had promised a reform on SARS during the year 2015,2017, 2018,2019 and 2020 . Although in the year 2018 the acting president Prof. Yemi Osibanjo made a reform on this unit of police by putting up different roles and thereby renamed it FSARS, meaning federal special anti-robbery squad which as far as I know that act can be likened to the pouring of water on a rock. As far as am concerned from the past years the federal government has done nothing but lip service to the pleas and cries from Nigerians. This leaves me wondering if the government has our best interest at heart at all. To reform or to abolish Nothing is as dangerous as power with impunity – Isabel Allende One of the steps in moving ahead is to acknowledge the fact that you have a problem and the next is doing something about it with immediate effect. In my honest opinion, I suggest whatever that can be done to stop this impunity is what works best for me. Though I’ll like to share with you an unpopular fact.Do you know one of the criteria for the recruitment into the special anti robbery squad(SARS)? You Must be an ex-convict. Now can you imagine an ex-convict who might have killed someone, fresh out of jail without any psychological, mental, and emotional counselling being in the position to yield a gun, and he tells you what or what not to do but this time he has the authority to shoot you. Reference: Wikipedia– ENDSARS Wikipedia- SARS ( special anti-robbery squad) Amnesty international 2020 latest jobs, vacancies and recruitment in Nigeria 2020- SARS recruitment Arueze Chisom Precious, a passionate writer can be reached through sommytilly1402@gmail.com

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Why SARS Needs To Be Reformed by Olomu Michael.

Cmoni / October 9, 2020

Lately the word ‘SARS’ an acronym for the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, have been a trending talk in the Nation. The Special Anti-Robbery Squad commonly known as SARS, a unit of the Nigeria Police Force under the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, which was founded in 1992 by a retired Commissioner of Police, Simeon Danladi and who was also the Nigerian Contingent Commander to United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1998. The retired Police Commissioner then added the word “Special’’ to the already existing Anti-Robbery Squad operation then, which in turn, is presently known as SARS. No doubt! Recently there have been several accusations and allegations by the citizens of the country, allegations strong enough to scrap the SARS unit from the Nigeria Police Force. Allegations such as kidnapping, rape, stealing, inhumane torture, killings etc and lot of negative vices inclined to SARS have been so alarming. Testimonies pouring out from individuals and masses of this beloved country of ours, backed up with physical evidence is of no doubt nothing but the truth of these allegations. Several proposals have been forwarded to the Federal Government to end the dreadful behaviour of SARS against the citizens it is meant to protect, seems as though the effort channelled by the citizens to bring the SARS to justice have simultaneously been ignored. Thus making the citizens of the country to take matters into their hands, leading to vigorous protest been raised on the street and various social media handlings tagged as “#End SARS”. The recent resolution by the citizens which led to this crucial action defines the unbearable state of the people towards SARS; therefore the need by the Federal Government to look into this matter with immediate effect cannot be neglected and overemphasized on. The allegations against the Nigeria Police Force Unit, which has been proving beyond doubt as fact and truth is more than enough evidence to bring SARS to justice, as long as the law exist no one is free from impunity. The creation of the Unit is aimed at fighting vices and negative activities in the country. However with these allegations which goes against the rules and regulation aimed at what they were meant to do, that is ‘To protect the citizens of the country’. It’s now mandatory indeed to bring the SARS unit back on track to make them realize the full definition and objectives of their offices. I, standing against the abolishment of the SARS unit does not mean that am going against the masses request. Before taking matters into our hands, we need to weigh the consequences of our decision. Have met people in one way or the other giving testimonies on how SARS saved their communities from rogues, roadside criminals, cultist, helped them to recover stolen gadget and finance restoration from scammers etc. No doubt to some extent SARS have been of help to the community and nation at large. SARS in some part of the country are doing an appreciative job worth of thanks and gratitude’s by the people. We can’t use the sins and crimes of others to paint an entire organisation ‘black’. The question we need to ask ourselves as human is, what could be the reason behind such behaviour by this personnel? I believe in the process of reforming this organisation, we will find the answers we seek for. Just in, Lagos state house of assembly asks the Federal Government to scrap SARS. Fact is; if such request is finally granted, who will secure our roads and communities? When you scrap them from the system then what happens to their internally developed attitude? In my opinion they need re-orientation and proper education on what duties and services demands in the society. I go with ‘Reform’ and not scrapping off, they can’t be totally bad. We need them now more than ever. With the rate of increase number of; fraudster, criminals, youth becoming terror to the society and community at large, all these vices needs to be put in checked. So far so good, SARS have been doing well in tackling these issues. Scrapping SARS is not the problem but I hope the level of fraudulent activities will not increase more in Nigeria; we also need to think about these things. Instead of ending SARS, it should be “Reformed”. It’s an anti-robbery squad and the present Nigeria needs a reformed SARS more than ever. In conclusion, the Federal Government should call SARS to order, scrutinize them by giving them all necessary trainings to build up their mental capacity which will enable them understand vividly the aims and objectives of their job. The SARS most take the cognizance of the fact that the survival fate of the people rest in their hands. Olomu Oladipupo Micheal, a Chemical engineering graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger state, wrote in via olomuoladipuposamuel@gmail.com

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SARS Reformation: A Short Letter To My Fatherland by Femi Alonge.

Cmoni / October 9, 2020

Dear Fatherland, I am the voice of pro-nationalism, and I write to you with a heavy but hopeful heart. I write to you with urgency and resolve, so that you may understand the gravity of the issue at hand. There have been multiple allegations and demonstrations that question the basis of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). It is disturbing that SARS, an official national security unit, is publicly viewed by the Nigerian citizenry as an object of terror. Thus, the persons who were supposed to be beneficiaries are now victims of their internal security, or better still, in-security. Furthermore, there have been several claims and reports of Nigerians who have been assaulted, harassed, brutalized, or extra-judicially killed by SARS. Nigerian youths, journalists, human rights groups, and lawyers, among others, have publicly condemned these unconstitutional acts. From the several news reports and public SARS demonstrations, there is sufficient evidence to allude to their brutality and extrajudicial killings. The fact speaks for itself. The proof lies in the pool of blood on the streets, the grief, and the agony in the air. Ultimately, the Nigerian people are agitated and call for the outright abolition of the special police force unit, while only a few support a reformation. Which is better? This is the question we must answer. However, we must understand where we are coming from to know where we are going. SARS is a security unit that appeared on the Nigerian scene in the military era of 1992.[i] The team was created to detain, investigate, and prosecute armed robbery perpetrators. Thus, SARS became a security parastatal empowered to eradicate cases of robbery and other related crimes in the country. Today, there is nationwide unrest, as members of the SARS unit incessantly torture and arbitrarily wreak brutality on the masses. Accordingly, this is why I have over 200 million reasons to support the reformation of SARS – one for each Nigerian. However, I do not support abolition. Hear my express thoughts on the issue at hand. If SARS is abolished, we should ask ourselves; who will fill the vacuum created in the combat against assault and robbery operations? SARS is the only anti-robbery dedicated to combatting robbery operations in a country with a high rate of violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery at 71.65%.[ii] Thus, if we are to go by the mischief rule of interpretation, the primary objective for which SARS was created still exists. So, why abolish a system that is combatting the menace it was designed to tackle due to operational defects? In such a situation, the ideal thing will be to focus energy on resolving such defects. It is vital to state that SARS has boycotted several robbery operations due to its search and seizure powers. Therefore, the issue is when innocent citizens are harassed and brutalized based on suspicion. This means that the problem is not with the idea behind SARS, but their modus operandi and the individuals at the wheel of implementation. It is true that 2015[iii] and 2019[iv] SARS reformations merely announced SARS’ departmentalization into operational and investigation units, and decentralization, respectively. However, a change of name does not correspond to a change of methods or results – action is needed. What is required is a sustainable framework that will restructure the operations of SARS to specifically address violent crimes. Thus, these are the reasons for my position, and why I propose the following three steps to an actionable reformation of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad unit known as SARS: Reformation of the powers of SARS and the NPF unit regarding their use of force or firearms: this implies that the use of brute force or firearms by SARS officers should be restricted to specific situations of imminent threat or danger – danger to their lives or those of others, and their properties. The 1999 Nigerian Constitution[v] indeed allows for the broad use of lethal force, and the Force Order 237 significantly permits the use of force.[vi] However, none of these provisions empower SARS operatives to harm innocent citizens, or shoot to kill persons who do not attempt to resist arrest or pose an imminent threat. Thus, this brings me to the next point below. Prosecution of felonious acts and extrajudicial killings of defaulting SARS officers: one other primary reason for the nationwide agitation is the non-condemnation and non-prosecution of SARS officers perpetuating these preposterous acts under the disguise of official duty. It will serve as a check on arbitrary use of force and abuse of powers if defaulting SARS officers are made an example of in the courtrooms or detention facilities. Medical evaluation: this means that all officers should be subjected to weekly medical check-ups to test for the use of drugs and narcotics and to assess their psychological state. This medical report system will help put SARS operatives in check and ascertain the competence and sanity of these security officials to appropriately exercise their duties. I urge you to listen to the grieving mother’s crying tears and the widowed wife’s young orphan. I ask that you reason with my plea for security and foster law and order in the country. I encourage you to adopt my honest recommendations for the SARS reformation. I look forward to a better Nigeria. Yours truly, Signed: the voice of pro-nationalism. REFERENCES [i] Nnadozie, E. (2017, December 23). How I founded SARS in the Police – RTD CP Midenda. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/12/founded-sars-police-rtd-cp-midenda/ . [ii] Crime in Nigeria. (2020, October). Numbeo. Retrieved from https://www.numbeo.com/crime/country_result.jsp?country=Nigeria. [iii] Police IG splits anti-robbery squad, SARS, to check abuses. (2015, August 7). Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/187989-police-ig-splits-anti-robbery-squad-sars-to-check-abuses.html. [iv] Pulse Nigeria. (2019, January 21). IGP Adamu orders immediate disbandment of SARS. Retrieved from https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/sars-igp-adamu-orders-immediate-disbandment-of-police-unit/yenlxxw. [v] The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN). [vi] Law on police use of force in Nigeria. (2020, July 2). The Law on Police Use of Force. Retrieved from https://www.policinglaw.info/country/nigeria. Femi Alonge is a goal-driven law student aspiring to become a top-tier legal practitioner with global recognition in the corporate and commercial law practice. He wrote in via femialonge247@gmail.com

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SARS: Reform Rather Than Abolish by Paul Akherialea.

Cmoni / October 9, 2020

It is always disheartening whenever I recall that the ones we are suppose to run to for help are now the ones we run away from. Indeed, it has gotten out of hand and the recent ban action of the Federal Government was not only timely but also necessary. I do not think anything can suffice to being truthful, sincere and innocent yet having your life at the mercy of a police officer who in a jiffy can end all the beautiful dreams and leave your loved ones with scars in their hearts that may never heal just because of a few ‘penny’. I have seen how SARS officers would shove innocent youths and even teenagers into the back of their squad car, punching and pushing them. Scared and stunned about what was happening yet they cannot help themselves or say a word. The most saddening aspect of it all is that, some of these victims do not even know why they are being arrested or what they had done wrong. Unarguably, the increase of fatal police interactions, oppression, intimidation, harassment, outright extortion, armed robbery and even rape of the Nigerian masses who strive every day for a better life has grossly deteriorated the name and honor of the Nigeria Police Force and consequently, the nation. However, we still cannot demean the good works of the Nigeria Police, particularly, SARS. The fear of being caught by this ‘unexpected guests’ has made many slums and ghettos refrain from so many immoral practices. Undoubtedly, SARS has gradually help to curb the rate of ‘internet robbery’ of the group of fraudsters we commonly call the ‘yahoo boys’. Juvenile delinquency and deviationist practices such as rape, drug abuse, robbery, carnage, mayhem among others have been gradually reduced. Although, in 1992 when this branch of the Nigeria Police Force was founded by former police commissioner; Simeon Danlandi Midenda, it wasn’t a round table planned work but a quick intervention to bring peace to the uproar in Lagos, when Colonel Rindam, a Nigerian Army Colonel was killed by police officers, today, to an extent, it has served it purposes as regarding its modus operandi in the Nigeria Police Force. Therefore, looking at it from both sides, though I’ve had my own share of the sour experience of how inhumane and brutal FSARS can be, I opine that rather than totally abolishing the role of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) it should be reformed. But this time, thoroughly reformed. The founder and former police commissioner; Simeon Danlandi Midenda, said this firsthand, “The secret behind the successes of the original SARS was its facelessness and its mode of operation. We operated in plain clothes and used plain vehicles that could not be associated with security or any government agency. Members could not carry Walkie Talkie openly talk less of guns. With the spate of robberies in Lagos, we realized the danger of carrying weapons openly. We also realized that by carrying weapons openly, we have destroyed the element of surprise”.1 Taking a close look at the modus operandi of SARS during its formation, you would agree with me that the major reason for their recent unbearable actions is because they have deviated from their role. Recently, Nigerian award-winning musician, Mr. Eazi tweeted, “Dear Nigerian leaders, we need police reform laws urgently. It’s been 15 years since the killing of the #ApoSix and our young men and women are still being harassed by those who should protect us.”2 According to his comment, police reform laws are urgently needed. I also, buy into this idea. Now more than ever, FSARS needs a thorough purging and overhauling. In Chemical Engineering (which I am currently pursuing my first degree in) I am taught that when a system is clogged with particulate solids, these clogs are removed by a method called purging. Purging is a process of removing the clogs in a system by means of applying pressure. I hold firm the belief that the major reason the reformation operation of FSARS has not been efficient over the years is because the necessary pressure has not been applied. At the accurate temperature, every substance melts, not excluding diamond. I believe this also finds application in this case. Rigid rules on prosecution and ‘actual’ prosecution must be put in place to flush away every clog from the system. Further, In August 2018, Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President, as the Acting President, ordered the IGP, Idris, to overhaul SARS management and activities. Osinbajo said that the unit that will emerge from the ‘process’, must be intelligence-driven and restricted to the prevention and detection of armed robbery and kidnapping, and apprehension of offenders linked to the stated offences.3 Against this, Omoyele Sowore, an activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters described the announcement as a scam, and recalled a similar action in 2017. He said they rebranded SARS to FSARS in 2017 and since then SARS has killed more youths, adding that only a disbandment and dismantling of SARS is acceptable. From my point of view, while it is true that there have been more recent negative reports of abuse, torture and killings by some SARS officers, the upsides of crime rate and killings they have resisted should also be counted and considered.4 Undoubtedly, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have been doing very well in fighting violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnappings and cattle rustling in the country in the recent time and this has resulted in drastic reduction of incidents of the mentioned violent crimes nationwide.5 In addition, SARS is beyond a ‘Tactical Squad’ put in place by the Nigeria Police Force. SARS are the individual members of it. I believe that it is not arguable that even if the operation of SARS is abolished, most of its members will still find a slot in the Nigeria Police Force. When this happens, the parade of fear and panic may continue. This is because, obviously, the brutality stems up from the heart of the people who make up the FSARS. So, emphatically, I suggest that a thorough reformation of the Nigeria Police Force is what is needed. Also, as a result of the impending uproar and movement of the operation #EndSARS, Big Brother Naija: Lockdown housemate, Ozo, wrote on his page, “SARS is not just a set of