In
line with the fight against corruption and ensuring adherence to the “Change
Begins With Me” campaign of the Federal Government, the Nigeria Police Force
has approved the dismissal from service of four police officers attached to
Ijebu-Ode Area Command in Ogun State. They are (1) AP. No 122800 Inspr. Mufutau
Olaosun, (2) F/No. 366127 Sgt. Adebayo Temitope, (3) F/No. 455593 Cpl. Bakare
Taiwo and (4) F/No. 455554 Cpl. Adesoye Ayokunlehin who were charged, tried and
found guilty in an Orderly Room conducted at the Area Command Headquarters, Ijebu-Ode
for two offences against discipline as provided for in Paragraphs E (iii)
Discreditable Conduct and C (ii) Corrupt Practice under the First Schedule of
Police Act and Regulations Cap. P19. Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
THE
CASE AGAINST THE DISMISSED POLICEMEN
On
the 12th of June, 2017 the Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit
(PCRRU) received a complaint via WhatsApp number 0805 700 0003 which states
thus;
“Good morning
sir, My name is (Withheld), living in ijebu ode, on Wednesday afternoon I went
to withdraw money from the bank and am been sent by my boss when going back to
the office some policeman car just double cross me and collect my phone telling
I stole the phone I should follow them to the station and they took me to
igbeba police station here in ijebu asked me to do frog jump from outside to a
room, which I did to afford being beating.
After gotten there they started calling a internet fraudster
which I told them am not that am an (withheld) and they started beating
slapping me and forcing me to write a statement which they are the one telling
me what to write and after that they collected 50,000 from me( from my boss
money which I went to withdraw before ealizing me. Sir that’s my story. All
this are not good and policeman are meant to protect us but this nowadays
police officer have turn this to another thing by using their power to ride
civilians, maltreating and harassing civilian. The officers name who headed the
squad are been called which I overhead are name: one is Omo Alaja while the
second is called AY but don’t know the name of the other 2 officer. Please sir
you have to stop this kind of officer because they are taking this to far”
The
complaint was immediately registered, Tracking Number PCRRU451591 issued
and investigation initiated. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO)
Igbeba Division, Ijebu-Ode was mandated to commence an enquiry straightaway.
The policemen were identified and it was discovered that they apprehended the
complainant on 7th June, 2017 without any reasonable cause and
extorted the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) “Bail Money” despite the
#BailisFree campaign before he was eventually released same day. The extorted
N50,000 was subsequently recovered from these unethical policemen who were
armed in plain clothes on the day of the incident. Their action is contrary to
the directives of the Inspector-General of Police and unacceptable.
Necessary
disciplinary measures were initiated against the erring policemen, they were
found guilty as charged in an Orderly Room trial after the presentation of
witnesses and exhibits. Punishment of dismissal from service was recommended by
the Adjudicating officer and proceedings reviewed by the relevant Nigeria
Police Force (NPF) authorities. The punishment of dismissal from service has
been upheld with immediate effect and all NPF uniforms and accoutrements
including warrant cards (ID cards) issued to the men have been retrieved with
all dismissal procedures completed. The complainant was also handed back his
N50,000 with an apology a day after he lodged the complaint. The elated
man after receiving his money thanked the PCRRU, he said “Great job you people
are doing right there, thank you for the prompt response”.
Furthermore,
the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris NPM, mni while
reiterating his stand on zero tolerance for corruption vows to “flush out those
tarnishing police image” from the Force. The IGP also impress it upon the PCRRU
to ensure that all allegations of professional misconduct against the police
are promptly investigated and officers found wanting in any proven case be made
to face appropriate sanctions as stipulated by relevant laws.
Members
of the public are advised not to resort to self-help when faced with case of
police misconduct, but are enjoined to report such to the PCRRU for resolution.
PCRRU is available 24/7 via the following channels; Phone Calls
Only: 08057000001, 08057000002 | SMS/WhatsApp
Only: 08057000003 | BBM:58A2B5DE | Twitter: @PoliceNG_PCRRU
| Facebook: www.facebook.com/PolicePCRRU | Email: complaint@npf.gov.ng OR PolicePCRRU@gmail.com
PCRRU
says NO TO IMPUNITY; our quick response will put a smile on your face.
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