Corrupt Police Officers To Face Tough Time In Enugu
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu state command,Bitrus Giwa has warned that any police officer found culpable of any corrupt act must be made to face the full weight of the law.
CP Giwa urged citizens to assist in combating such acts by reporting through means that could reach his office,noting that he had so far dealt with such acts within a short while of his assumption of office in the state.
He made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command since he assumed office as the Commissioner of Police in the state.
“Specifically, I have directed that extortion of citizens before case documentation and handling must cease immediately and that officers must refrain from meddling in civil matters, particularly land disputes, and instead explore alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and restorative justice where applicable. I further warned them against unlawful arrest and prolonged detention without recourse to extant laws.
“I also emphasized the need for police officers to be emotionally intelligent and to put a human face to their work, while coming down hard on unrepentant criminals and violators of our laws”, Giwa noted.
CP Giwa further disclosed that he had recently descended on police officers over allegation of corrupt and unprofessional conduct, “once the trial process is concluded and the necessary approval is obtained from the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 13, since one of the team members holds the rank of Inspector, the public will be duly informed of the punishment imposed”.
Commending the Enugu state governor, Dr Peter Mbah for providing effective security infrastructure, CP Giwa assured that the command would continue to improve on the security of lives and property of the people.
“To enhance security, we are leveraging the state-of-the-art Command-and-Control Centre and Distress Response Squad (DRS) established by the Enugu State Government under His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. These initiatives, equipped with modern technology, will be maximally utilized for effective policing. So far, we have started reaping the expected fruits of these initiatives in our operations.
“Additionally, we are revitalizing community policing strategies to foster a people-centered approach. Recently, I hosted a town hall meeting with key security stakeholders in commemoration of National Police Day, where we addressed concerns and gathered valuable feedback. Such engagements will continue to be held periodically to strengthen police-public relations”, he explained.
He further explained that a total of 288 suspects have been arrested since he assumed office and achieved rescue of a number of victims in captivity,as well as restoration of stolen items.
A breakdown of the suspects showed that 44 are for armed robbery, 33 kidnapping, 12 murder, 6 for illegal possession of firearms, 5 rape and defilement, 44 cultism and 149 for other crimes.
Also, the Command was able to rescue 36 kidnapped victims, recovered 44 firearms, 173 ammunition and 20 vehicles.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, while he is presently on his M.Sc programme also in Mass Communication, at National Open University of Nigeria.
He was the NUJ Chairman, Enugu state who handed over to the Caretaker Committee currently in the Council.
samowailo@gmail.com
