CP warns against unlawful detention

By Michael ofulue
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The Ondo State Police  Commissioner, Mr Undie Adie, has warned officers, especially Divisional police officers (DPO) across the state  against unlawful detention of crime suspects in the state.

He said detaining suspects beyond 24 hours before taking them to court for prosecution  amounts  to violation of  the suspect’s rights,  who is still presumed innocent until found guilty by a competent court.

The police boss said any DPO caught acting contrary to the police rules and regulations by detaining suspect beyond necessary, under the  pretence of demanding for money for bail, would be queried for his or her action.

Adie  handed down the warning while addressing senior officers from the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCPs.) Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPS) Divisional Police

 Officers (DPOS), heads of departments and other ranks from Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASPS )and above, during the monthly conference held at police officers mess in Akure on Thursday

He told them to desist from using force to extort money from relatives of crime victims (suspects), saying they should charge  cases to court after they have finished investigation rather than using dubious means to extortion of money from innocent people.

The police boss  emphasised on the need for  effective security  in villages and towns in the state.

He charged the DPOs to properly coordinate  the vigilante operatives in  their respective  areas of jurisdiction in form of a neigbourhood watch stressing that  security should be the business of everybody.

His words, ” DPOs must ensure that they surpass the  activities of vigilante operatives in their areas in form of a synergy to ensure that crime and criminality are tackled headlong.

‘Effective crime control, detention and control is a joint effort. And that is why you should coordinate your neighborhood’s vigilante operatives in maintaining law and order.

“You all must work assiduously in your respective areas of assignments,  because I will not tolerate any indolent officer.

“Cover your area effectively and ensure citizens sleep with their two eyes closed,” he stated.

He commended them for their efforts, especially over  the recent security challenges in the state, just as he urged them to double their efforts in tackling issues bordering on security of lives and property.

Other senior officers who spoke separately during the meeting assured the CP that they will double their efforts in sustaining the relative peace being enjoyed at the momentm accordingly.