By a
petition dated September 1, 2017 NOPRIN had alerted the newly appointed
Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Imohimi Edgal of allegations of unlawful detention, demand
of bribe for bail and sexual molestation against the Officer in
Charge (OC), Anti-Kidnapping Squad,
Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Adejobi and some other officers under him.
NOPRIN
requested the CP to order a prompt and
impartial Investigation of the criminal allegations with a view to bringing the
perpetrators to account if found culpable.
By a
statement issued the next day by the Police PRO Lagos State Command ASP
Olarinde Famous-Cole, for the CP, the Lagos State Police Command acknowledged
the petition and assured members of the public of the command’s determination
to ensure proper investigation. The Command has also extended invitation to
NOPRIN and the complainants to come forward on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 10
am with relevant information to aid the police in the ongoing investigation.
We
understand that the CP has also removed Mr. Adejobi from his position as the (OC),
Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Lagos State Police Command as well as invited him and
the IPO for questioning.
NOPRIN
notes that this is a heart-warming and refreshing beginning by the newly
appointed CP. Policing should be transparent and accountable, and this is what
the new CP seems to have boldly demonstrated by his prompt response to this
complaint. This singular action by the CP and the feelers concerning his track
record indicate that the new CP’s sense of professionalism, hard work and integrity,
and his intolerance for corruption, misconduct and abuse, stand out. Indeed, NOPRIN
has received positive attestations which indicate that Lagosians are in for a
good deal with regards to policing under the new CP.
NOPRIN wishes
the new CP success and assures him of the support of its civil society members in
Lagos and across Nigeria.
NOPRIN also
notes that the Lagos State Police PRO, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole has
demonstrated an uncommon and exceptional competence in his performance as a
Police public relations officer. He, sure, knows his onions. From NOPRIN’s
encounters and experience with him, he is an asset not just to the Lagos State
Police Command, but to the police as an institution- rather than a liability,
like some of his colleagues elsewhere.
NOPRIN
hereby congratulates Lagosians on this fortunate and cheery developments and calls
on members of the public to accord full support and assistance to the new CP and
his team in their onerous task of protecting lives and property and defending
the human rights of citizens. We welcome the CP’s expressed commitment and
determination to serve and protect the people and to deliver safety, security
and justice.
Public
trust, confidence and support are inevitable preconditions for effective
policing. The CP has started to lead by example and NOPRIN urges him to remain
steadfast in promoting professionalism and respect for human rights in police
conduct and operations which are necessary ingredients that inevitably attract public
confidence and support.
We assure the
CP, Not just of NOPRIN’s determination to continue to monitor and report police
conduct, but also of our full and principled support to help him succeed.
Finally it
is our expectation that the ongoing police investigation into the allegations
will lead to a recovery of the sum of fifty thousand naira extorted from the
complainant (Ms. Blessing) for bail, release of her phone seized by the OC
pending when she brings the balance of the total amount demanded for bail;
appropriate legal remedies to the victims (Ms. Blessing and her younger sister,
Florence) for the violation of their fundamental rights, including a public
apology as well as appropriate sanctions for all the police officers
responsible, as deterrence.
Okechukwu Nwanguma
National
Coordinator
08064974531
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