Stay away from stop-and-search duties, new AIG warns police men

Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Yahaya Abubakar has officially assumed duty at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

The department’s spokesperson, Oluniyi Ogundeyi, confirmed this on Monday in Lagos.

“No personnel of the FCID should be involved in stop-and-search duties or anti-crime patrols, as those should be left to uniformed personnel of the state and zonal commands,” Mr Abubakar was quoted as saying.

Mr Abubakar took over the FCID from Frank Mba, who has been promoted to Deputy Inspector-General of Police.

Mr Ogundeyi disclosed that Mr Abubakar met with the heads of sections of the FCID and read the riot act to them.

“All officers and men are to uphold professionalism in the conduct of evidence-based investigations and prosecutions of criminal cases.

“They are to avoid human rights violations, illegal arrests and detentions, and extortions, among other misconduct.

“All sectional heads must inspect detention centres regularly to monitor compliance,” the spokesperson quoted the AIG as saying.

Mr Ogundeyi said the AIG called on all officers and men in the department to work as a team to strengthen and sustain the department’s track record of achievements.

He quoted the AIG as directing all heads of sections and units to ensure strict adherence to the policy guidelines of the force.

Mr Abubakar was also said to have directed that all officers submit investigation reports timely, while interim reports must be submitted by case officers or sectional heads seven days after the assignment of the petition.

(NAN)