IGP Warns FSARS to Stop Checking People's Account Details

The IGP also warned the FSARS operatives not to invade people’s phones and laptops unless they have a court order or an instruction from the commissioner of police in charge of a state police command. He also told the operatives of the reformed Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, FSARS, to stop checking citizens’ bank account details.

Speaking during the weekend at a workshop on the reformed FSARS in Owerri, Imo state, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris warned that any FSARS operatives who violated the new rules would be dismissed from the force immediately.

The IGP was represented by the Deputy commissioner of police in charge of the IGP’s X-Squad, Amaechi Elumelu, said that any FSARS operative who handles cases not related to armed robbery and kidnapping would equally be dismissed from the Nigeria police force.

"The operatives must be professional and respect the rights and privileges of all citizens." He said.

Speaking under the reformed FSARS, "it is illegal to search suspects phones, computers, or inquire about their bank account details without proper authorization.

“Henceforth, the FSARS Commanders must get directives from the State Commissioners before invading people’s privates. Any officer who disobeys will be dismissed.”

 He warned the operatives not to detain any suspect for more than 48 hours without a remand order from the court.

All operatives of FSARS would undergo medical evaluation in order to guarantee their mental, psychological, emotional conditions, He added.

He advised all FSARS operatives to be computer literate in order to adapt to the current innovations going on in the department.