The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Alabi, has warned officers and men of the Command against accidental discharge and request for tinted glass permits in the state.
The CP also warned against extortion of motorists and other road users during stop-and-search.
The CP, who read the riot acts during a tour to Area G, Ogba, and H, Ogudu commands, said: “On no account must policemen, under my watch, not use stop-and-search to extort the public. While carrying out your duty, you must not extort people, because I will not tolerate abuse of human rights. Don’t ever be involved in unethical behaviour.
“I also want to warn you that bail is free. If you want to work under my command, you must not collect bail money from anyone. I mean it and I will deal with any officer who collects money for bail because it is free. I also want to warn police officers not to dabble in civil cases and don’t criminalize civil cases. If you are handling civil matters, please, advise the parties to go to court and seek redress, but make sure that you don’t detain people on civil matters.
“Another area of great importance is the area of accidental discharge. I don’t want to hear it. There is no excuse for misusing your firearms. Guide your arms with jealousy because if you misuse it, you will face the consequences of using your arms when you are not supposed to use it. Finally, I still want to re-emphasize that the police have banned the issuance of tinted glass permits; and it is the instruction of the Inspector-General of Police that policemen should stop requesting tinted glass permits from motorists. If you are caught requesting for tinted glass permits from motorists, you will be dealt with.”
The CP, who commended men and officers of the command, said he has listened to the challenges of the two commands, especially that of Red House police station, Iju, where officers are operating in rented apartments and other logistics challenges, and would send the complaints to the IGP for action.
