Five operatives attached to SARS were detained by the Lagos State Police command over robbery attempt they were trying to carry out on Mr. Immanuel James, at Ago-Palace way, Okota, a Lagos suburb.
SP Chike Oti, The Lagos State Police Command Spokesman, while confirming the arrest of the policemen on Tuesday said the five suspects – two Inspectors and three Sergeants –were SARS operatives that were attached to Ipakodo.
Chike Oti told newsmen that the men were not Officers from the Federal SARS, Ikeja Unit as it was being reported.
He, however, said that one Insp. Jude Akhoyemta, who was mentioned in the matter among other suspects, was not guilty of any offence.
“In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police Lagos State, the Command hereby informs the general public that further enquiry into the allegation of harassment of one Immanuel James Ibe-Anyanwu by SARS operatives at Ago-Palace way, Okota revealed the true identity of officers involved in the highly regrettable incident.
“Those involved are currently undergoing interrogation at the Command’s X-Squad Section and would be marched before an Adjudicating Officer at the Police Provost Department for the commencement of their orderly room trial,” Oti said.
The SARS Officers were yesterday reported having held Immanuel and trying to extort him. He gave an excuse that he wanted to withdraw some money for them in the bank, after which he sent out a Save Our Soul message through his mobile phone.
Immanuel’s post had read:
I was accosted by SARS officers are Ago-Palace, Okota, opposite Zenith Bank. They humiliated me and accused me of being a fraudster. Checked my documents and found nothing, and then said I should follow them back to my office in Ikoyi to confirm my claims. People intervened.
I called the PPRO of Lagos State and he asked to speak with them. They took the phone and seized it. They are still holding my documents. Later one called me aside and asked me to go arrange money.
I asked for my phone to let me make a transfer to my ATM account and he gave me. I took the phone and card and went into the bank and have gone into hiding here. I’m updating from my hiding place. They are waiting for me by my car. Phone battery down. Please share.
