From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Mamman Giwa, has reaffirmed his zero-tolerance stance on extortion, illegal arrests and other forms of corruption in the police force, warning that officers found culpable will face severe disciplinary action.
Speaking during a parade drill for officers and men of the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) on Wednesday, Giwa made it clear that unethical conduct would not be condoned.
“I want to make it abundantly clear: I have zero-tolerance for unprofessionalism, extortion, and any form of corruption.
“The era of approving frivolous, fictitious or trumped-up petitions for investigation is over. We will no longer allow the abuse of police powers under any guise,” Giwa declared.
He warned officers against arresting individuals without lawful justification, detaining suspects beyond the period permitted by law, or demanding money for bail or to influence the course of investigations.
“Let no one be deceived, illegal arrests, prolonged detentions and extortion will not be tolerated. Those found engaging in such acts will be decisively dealt with. You are here to serve the people and uphold justice, not to intimidate or exploit them,” he said.
He charged all personnel under the State CID to uphold the core values of integrity, diligence and professionalism in their duties.
The parade drill, held at the Command Headquarters in GRA, Enugu, was part of the commissioner’s ongoing push to instill discipline and restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
Police spokesman in the state, Daniel Ndukwe, said the exercise was one of many strategies being deployed to reposition the State CID for efficient and ethical service delivery.