GOV OBIANO RELEASES 3 DETAINEES AT DEFUNCT SARS OFFICE

Reporter: ONYINYE CHIJIOBI

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has released three detainees at the defunct Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) office in Akwuzu, who allegedly commited various offences.

Governor Obiano granted the detainees bail, during his visit to all the SARS facilities in the state.

During the inspection, Governor Willie Obiano commended the Nigeria Police Force for releasing people being detained illegally.

He also urged them to grant bail to anyone, who deserved it, except those being remanded by the court.

Governor Obiano, who explained that the request of the people to sack former OC SARS, Mr. James Nwafor, had been granted, maintained that all other requests would be granted.

He assured the people that his government would not relent in ensuring the protection of lives and property.

Governor Obiano also used the opportunity to call on Nigeria Police not to relent in discharging their statutory responsibilities in line with the extant laws.

He noted that a Panel of Inquiry would be inaugurated to look into the demands of Anambra youth #ENDSARS protesters, adding that the panel would receive open petitions from the public.

The Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr. John Abang, said that they had released all detainees in the SARS custody, while the SARS offices had been handed over to the state CID.

Mr. Abang, however, explained that about thirty-eight suspects still in their custody would be moved to Onitsha prison.

Some of the released persons who spoke with journalists denied involvement in the crimes and offences they were alleged to have committed.

A youth leader, Mr. Alex Osaka, thanked the Governor for listening to the cries of the people.

The Governor was also accompanied to the visit by the Attorney-General of the State, Mrs Uju Nwogu, among other top government functionaries.