By AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has charged members of the newly constituted judicial panel of enquiry on the excesses of the recently disbanded Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), to fish out the perpetrators of police brutality and also assess the extent of injuries and damages to lives and properties

Masari who gave the charge during the panel’s inauguration at Government House, Katsina, also tasked them to come forward with general recommendations that will promote an endearing relationship between the Nigerian Police Force and the general public.

He said: “Nigeria is passing through her most trying moments presently; citizens have been complaining and calling for police reforms.

Read Also: Wike to panel: fish out sponsors of SARS brutality in Rivers

“And following their protests, President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the disbandment of the SARS unit and the investigation of its alleged excesses and extra-judicial activities, which had attracted persistent criticism, leading to the ongoing protests and counter-protests in some parts of the country.”

Masari read out the terms of reference to include: Enquire, investigate and determine the propriety, constitutionality and lawfulness of the arrests, detention, interrogation, recovery and confiscations, and assess the extent of injuries and damage caused to lives and properties resulting from its operations in Katsina State. He further asked the chairman and members of the commission to identify officers and men of the SARS directly or indirectly connected or involved in the excesses including extra-judicial actions and ascertain the roles played by such officers and men of SARS or individuals in instigating, aiding or abetting such extra- judicial actions and apportion blame.

Another term of reference, he said is to make specific recommendations as to the appropriate action to be taken on those found responsible for the excesses and extra-judicial actions, as well as long  and short-term measures to prevent future occurrence.