Nigeria, May 11 -- Eric Okwaji spotted a gold-painted Sienna car parked in front of his residence at Nosamu Street, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos.

Eric, who shared his residence with some friends, asked for the car to be moved because it was blocking movement. Though the car was eventually moved, so was Eric - badly beaten and unconscious.

Lost for six years

It was late morning on September 17, 2014.

The SARS operatives who parked the car were in Eric's neighbourhood to make an arrest. Having ransacked the house at 39 Nosamu Street, which they believed was the family home of their target, known as 'Popo', they did not find Popo. He apparently did not even live there.

Frustrated by their failed arrest, hearing Eric ask about the car further a...