By Adebisi Onanuga
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police AIG), Zone 2, Lawal Shehu, has warned his men and officers to desist from arresting people for offences for which the laws prescribe no punishment.
AIG Shehu said such action constitute an infringement on the right of the person that was arrested and put in custody.
AIG Shehu spoke during the presentation of an award to him by two Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Crime Victims Foundation of Nigeria (CRIVIFON) and Human Rights Education and Awareness Centre (HUREC) held at NPF Zone 2 headquarters, Onikan, Lagos.
He bagged the award for “Outstanding Leadership Quality and Commitment to Community Policing and Human Rights in Nigeria”.
He also admonished them to respect the rights of suspected criminals stressing “the fact that someone is called a criminal does not mean that he does not have rights and those rights must be respected.
“When they are breached, that is when we find ourselves in courts defending fundamental human rights suit filed against us”, he said.
AIG Shehu explained that it was to stem misconduct in the force that led to the establishment of the ’Public Complaints and Response Unit’ to deal with men and officers that violate the right of the people, including those who demand for money before bail is granted for bail.
He said the public can file complaints against an erring officer by calling 08057000001 and on Whatsapp on 08057000003 assuring the unit will investigate such complaints and take appropriate action.
“Police service is about fighting crime and corruption and the Police of today have been trained to do away with corrupt attitude. The world is a global village and the Police in Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind”, he said.
Earlier while presenting the award, the Executive Director of CRIVIFON, Mrs Gloria Egbuji had said that the group had watched the activities of the AIG Shehu since he was posted to head NPF Zone 2 and appreciated his efforts at community policing and how he has been attending to complaints brought before him promptly.
Egbuji said AIG Shehu’s activities showed him to be a human right friendly officer adding that this was why the two NGOs, decided to honour him with the award.
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