Wednesday, September 6, 2017

N50, 000 bribe: Police probes corruption, sexual molestation allegation



  
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr  Imohimi Edgal, yesterday, ordered the Commander in charge of Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Olatunji Disu to immediately begin interrogation and investigations of the of the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Cultism Units, CSP, Akinade Adejobi and some of his men.

This was even as the CP ordered that a panel be set up to investigate allegations of bribery and sexual molestation raised by a complainant, Blessing Taiwo and her sister, Florence.

It will be recalled that Blessing, was arrested over a theft of $50,000 (about N18 million) and detained at Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Cultism Unit. It was alleged that the policemen attached to the Unit, demanded N70, 000 before they would grant her bail. It was also alleged that some of the policemen sexually molested Blessing’s sister Florence.





Edgal also instructed that the case of $50,000 theft, instigated against Blessing by Mrs Abiola Osagie, be moved back to Ikoyi Police Station, where an excellent investigation was already ongoing before the matter was hastily transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Panti. Edgal said it was absolutely wrong for a case of theft, no matter the amount involved, to be transferred to Anti-Kidnapping and Cultism Squad.

In statement made available to our correspondent, the Command Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said that the panel would be headed by Disu. The panel would also include civil right organization member and journalists. 

Famous-Cole said: “The panel, which had a long deliberation at the CP's office, with all parties present, including the former O/C Anti-Kidnapping, Akinade Adejobi, agreed that the case of stealing involving Blessing Taiwo be moved back to Ikoyi Police Station to carry out diligent investigation, and to ensure the suspects are prosecuted. The CP said that the allegation of collection of bribe and sexual molestation, would also be thoroughly investigated and findings were expected to be reported to his office within one week.” 

Edgal threatened that any officer or persons indicted in either investigation would face the full wrath of the law.

Edgal gave Disu and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in charge of Ikoyi Police Station, a week to make their findings public.

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