Obiano sacks aide, Nwafor, accused of rights abuses while heading SARS

Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has acceded to the demands of the state’s youths protesting for the prosecution and termination of the appointment of his Senior Special Adviser on Security, James Nwafor.

Nwafor was formerly the commander of SARS in Anambra and had severally been accused of killing and maiming many youths in the state.

The protesters had on Wednesday blocked the

Anambra State government house and the EnuguOnitsha expressway, insisting that Obiano must address them, but they were not addressed, leading the protesters to stay at the venue late into the night.

But addressing the protesters on Thursday at the government house, Obiano said he would take their demands to President Muhammadu Buhari, while also fulfilling the ones within his power, which he said included the sacking of Nwafor and investigation of all the allegations against him.

In another meeting with youths in the state, the governor revealed that he has set up a broad-based panel to look into reports of abuse of human rights by the defunct SARS in the state over the years.

The panel is empowered to look specifically into all allegations against Nwafor, the former SARS commander in the state, the governor said.

The panel, which is headed by the Hon Justice V. N, Umeh (retired), is expected to complete its job within 30 days.

He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for disbanding SARS in accordance with the wishes of Nigerian youths and also for acceding to their four requests for a better police force.

The governor also directed the Commissioner of Police to review all detentions in not just the SARS facilities in the state but also in all police formations to ensure that the freedoms and dignity of all citizens are upheld at all times.