In line with the fight against corruption and ensuring adherence
to the “Change Begins With Me” campaign of the Federal Government, the Nigeria
Police Force has approved the dismissal from service of four police officers attached
to Ijebu-Ode Area Command in Ogun State.
They are (1) AP. No 122800 Inspr. Mufutau
Olaosun, (2) F/No. 366127 Sgt. Adebayo Temitope, (3) F/No. 455593 Cpl. Bakare
Taiwo and (4) F/No. 455554 Cpl. Adesoye Ayokunlehin who were charged, tried and
found guilty in an Orderly Room conducted at the Area Command Headquarters,
Ijebu-Ode for two offences against discipline as provided for in Paragraphs E (iii)
Discreditable Conduct and C (ii) Corrupt Practice under the First Schedule of Police Act and Regulations Cap. P19. Laws of the Federation of
Nigeria 2004.
THE CASE AGAINST THE DISMISSED POLICEMEN
On
the 12th of June, 2017 the Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit
(PCRRU) received a complaint via WhatsApp number 0805 700 0003 which states
thus;
“Good
morning sir, My name is (Withheld), living in ijebu ode, on Wednesday afternoon
I went to withdraw money from the bank and am been sent by my boss when going
back to the office some policeman car just double cross me and collect my phone
telling I stole the phone I should follow the to the station and the took me to
igbeba police station here in ijebu asked me to do frog jump from outside to a
room, which I did to afford being beating. After gotten there they started
calling a internet fraudster which I told them am not that am an (withheld) and
they started beating slapping me and forcing me to write a statement which they
are the one telling me what to write and after that they collected 50,000 from
me( from my boss money which I went to withdraw before ealizing me. Sir that’s
my story. All this are not good and policeman are meant to protect us but this
nowadays police officer have turn this to another thing by using their power to
ride civilians, maltreating and harassing civilian. The officers name who
headed the squad are been called which I overhead are name: one is Omo Alaja
while the second is called AY but don’t know the name of the other 2 officer.
Please sir you have to stop this kind of officer because they are taking this
to far”
The complaint was immediately registered, Tracking Number PCRRU451591 issued and investigation initiated. The
Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Igbeba Division, Ijebu-Ode was mandated to commence
an enquiry straightaway. The policemen were identified and it was discovered
that they apprehended the complainant on 7th June, 2017 without any
reasonable cause and extorted the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) “Bail Money”
despite the #BailisFree campaign before he was eventually released same day. The
extorted N50,000 was subsequently recovered from these unethical policemen who
were armed in plain clothes on the day of the incident.
Their action is contrary
to the directives of the Inspector-General of Police and unacceptable.
Necessary disciplinary measures were initiated against the
erring policemen, they were found guilty as charged in an
Orderly Room trial after the presentation of witnesses and exhibits. Punishment
of dismissal from service was recommended by the Adjudicating officer and
proceedings reviewed by the relevant Nigeria Police Force (NPF) authorities.
The
punishment of dismissal from service has been upheld with immediate effect and
all NPF uniforms and accoutrements including warrant cards (ID cards) issued to
the men have been retrieved with all dismissal procedures completed. The complainant was also handed back his N50,000 with
an apology a day after he lodged the complaint.
The elated man after receiving
his money thanked the PCRRU, he said “Great job you people are doing right
there, thank you for the prompt response”.
Furthermore, the Inspector-General of Police,
IGP Ibrahim K. Idris while reiterating his stand on zero
tolerance for corruption vows to “flush out those tarnishing police image” from the Force.
The IGP also impress it upon the PCRRU to ensure that all allegations of professional
misconduct against the police are promptly investigated and officers found
wanting in any proven case be made to face appropriate sanctions as stipulated
by relevant laws.
Members of the public are advised not to resort to self-help when
faced with case of police misconduct, but are enjoined to report such to the
PCRRU for resolution. PCRRU is available 24/7 via the following channels; Phone
Calls Only: 08057000001, 08057000002 | SMS/WhatsApp Only: 08057000003 | BBM:
No comments:
Post a Comment