Police sack four officers for extortion, misconduct
http://www.gatewaymail.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Policemen.jpg
By Olu AJAYI (Abeokuta)
NIGERIA: THE Police high command has dismissed four policemen serving in the Ogun State Command over extortion.
Mr. Abayomi Shogunle, an Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja, said in a bulletin on Sunday that the affected officers were attached to Ijebu-Ode division of the command.
Shogunle added that the dismissal of Inspector Mufutau Olaosun, Sergeant Adebayo Temitope, Corporal Bakare Taiwo and Adesoye Ayokunlehin was in line with the fight against corruption of the police force.
He explained that the policemen were charged, tried and found guilty in an orderly room conducted at the Area Command Headquarters, Ijebu-Ode for two offences as contained 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 offences against the culprits, according to him, was that last June 12, the Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU) received a complaint via WhatsApp number 0805 700 0003.
Shogunle stated that that complaint was immediately registered with 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,” he said.
He added: “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,” Shogunle also said.
He further stressed: “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.”
Shogunle also said: “Furthermore, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris 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.”
- For any reaction or to contact GatewayMail newspaper, Toronto, Canada email us at: info@gatewaymail.org, whatsapp or text message: +2348033186252 (no calls).
