* Warns Against Rights Violations And Corrupt Practices
By Margaret Idenyi (Ebonyi State Correspondent, in Abakaliki)
The Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, on Wednesday, convened a strategic briefing with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Heads of Departments, and other senior officers of the Command.
In her address, the CP cautioned officers against detaining suspects beyond the legally stipulated period and emphasised the need to uphold the dignity and fundamental rights of all persons in custody. She further warned against police interference in civil matters, particularly land disputes.
The CP conveyed the concerns of the Inspector-General of Police regarding public perception of the Force, stressing the urgent need for officers to adopt professional conduct that will inspire public trust and confidence. She expressly prohibited the profiling of citizens based on appearance, as well as the indiscriminate stopping and searching of personal devices such as mobile phones and other gadgets.
The police boss urged officers to align with the vision of the IGP aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force and improving its public image. In line with this, she outlined key directives from the IGP which must be complied with immediately:
Soliciting or collecting money from members of the public on the roads.
Operating illegal checkpoints
Deliberately luring citizens into traffic violations to extort them
Arresting innocent citizens and coercing them to withdraw money from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
Engaging in unauthorised VIP escort duties in violation of existing presidential directives
Exhibiting indiscipline in appearance, including improper dressing and poor personal grooming
The CP also firmly warned all supervising officers to ensure strict supervision of their subordinates, noting that there will be zero tolerance for misconduct.
According to the Command's Spokesman, SP Joshua Ukandu, the police Commissioner emphasized that any officer found culpable will be decisively sanctioned, as there will be no room for leniency or second chances. NNL.
