The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, Thursday, warned operatives of the command against extorting the citizenry before case documentation and handling.
CP Giwa gave the warning during a press briefing he hosted at the State Police Command Headquarters in Enugu. He also warned the officers and men of the command against handling civil cases.
In his words, “Officers must refrain from meddling in civil matters, particularly land disputes; they should instead explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and restorative justice where applicable. I also warn them against unlawful arrest and prolonged detention contrary to extant laws. I also emphasise the need for police officers to be emotionally intelligent and to put a human face to their work while coming down on unrepentant criminals and violators of the law.”
On a recent allegation of extortion against some operatives of the state Distress Response Squad, CP stated that, “The command received a complaint via an X alleging extortion of N250, 000 by police officers attached to the Distress Response Squad. I immediately directed that the case be investigated and the officers involved be tried. Once the trial process is concluded and necessary approval is obtained from the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 13, the public will be duly informed about the punishment imposed.”
As part of measures to ensure discipline among the operatives, the CP said he recently ensured the deployment of several supervisory officers and their subordinates “who have conducted themselves unprofessionally to serve as a deterrent to others”, and assured the public that he would spare no efforts in instilling discipline within the commands and upholding ethics and codes that guide the activities of the Nigeria Police Force as a disciplined institution.
He commended the state of the arts Control and Distress Call Centre established by the Enugu State government, noting that “We have started reaping the fruits of this initiative.” He solicited the support of the residents towards effective policing in the state.
