We ‘re Investigating SARS’ Torture In Rivers -CP

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed says the command has begun investigation into the alleged torture of an artisan, Lucky Joseph by personnel of the state’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Ahmed, who spoke to newsmen, last Monday, said the command would not condone any acts of indiscipline.
It would be recalled that 38-year-old Joseph was allegedly tortured by operatives of SARS close to his residence at the Choba Extension, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
A video showing three SARS operatives beating up the mechanic had gone viral on the Internet two weeks ago.
While one slammed him repeatedly with a cutlass, another was seen opening a tear gas canister in his face; just as the third official held him.
The victim’s trousers were pulled down, exposing his private parts.
The assault went on until two men intervened towards the end of the one-minute video.
Joseph had told newsmen that some residents contributed N30,000 which they paid the operatives before he was released.
But in tacit reaction to the bizarre action, some Nigerians had demanded that the state CP resign, if he could not bring the erring policemen to book.
In a face-saving reaction, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, had exonerated the operatives on the allegation of possession of hemp without addressing the torture, while the Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, did not respond to enquiries on the incident.
Joseph had written to the Police Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit, demanding justice.
He later expressed readiness to sue the police, as he sought a lawyer to claim damages on his behalf.
However, Ahmed, in an interview admitted seeing the video, stressing that Joseph resisted arrest which led to the struggle.
He said, “We are investigating. We don’t cover up anything. We have told our operatives that they are always in the public eye, and they must watch their actions.”
The police boss said he was at a conference in Abuja and would ask the PPRO to formally address newsmen on the extent of investigations yesterday.