The Lagos state police command has arrested a total of 65 police officers in various parts of the state for extortions and other offences in August.
Fatai Owoseni, police commissioner for the state dropped this hint Monday saying that the arrests were made by officers from the anti-extortionist squad of the command.
According to Owoseni, the action was in compliance with the directive of the inspector-general of police, Ibrahim Idris on zero tolerance to corruption and unprofessional conduct in the force.
His words: Owoseni said the squad arrested 33 persons as at Aug. 8, 12 more as at Aug. 24, and another 20 by Sept. 8.
“Some of them have been recommended for dismissal; some to be demoted in ranks.
“Those involved in unlawful killing have been charged to court for murder.
“Some others are undergoing departmental orderly room trials. There is no place for corrupt and unprofessional police in Lagos command.”
As part of efforts to ensure that officers in Lagos keep to the ethics of the force, Owoseni said he embarked on re-orientation and retraining.
He said 75 constables had undergone training in arms handling at the Ikeja Police College, in a move to check accidental discharge.
He said every action of the officers and men would be accounted for, stressing that the second batch of such training would come up soon.
“The police must know when and how to use force and they will be accountable for any force used in the course of their operation.
“They are to use force proportionately. Their action should not make anyone orphan, widow or widower.
“Policemen are servants and not masters. That is the training we had and we must keep it so.” (Independent)
A positive and good start to law enforcement code of practice in general and specific to police code of conduct. This kind of action imparts good practice to many although demotion of rank or status may not essentially be a solution in current state of entrenched poor practice. No matter how well you remove a shepherd from the sheep he will still smell sheep.. Those demoted may be deemed to be offered another chance but the legacy is always there just as the temptation. Some never learn. More importantly,this kind of action MAY be the commencement of a reformed penal system in Nigeria where due process of law can have such implication as ‘those awaiting trial’ are judiciously processed through police intervention to determination of custodial/non-decision of such pending trial, some exercise in human rights, liberty and freedom, and justice for all.
This is one implementation of good practice other institutions in the country can emulate as a facet of the well publicised aspiration of change. The ponder is how well reinforced such policies become as a standardised generic application of change.