In accordance with the zero tolerance of the Inspector General of Police to indiscipline in the force, the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, has urged Lagosians to report errant officers.
Owoseni gave this charge during a courtesy and working visit to the Women Arise Secretariat, Omole Phase 1, Lagos, and also charged Lagosians to report crime suspects too. The CP during the visit to the President of Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, also commended her for spearheading the struggle against Gender Based Violence (GBV) and for human rights.
He said the call was to encourage civil society organisations to keep up the good work of keeping the citizens informed on their civil rights and responsibility.
The CP also urged Lagosians to be their brothers’ keeper and not to hesitate to report erring officers and crime suspects to the nearest police station.
He said, “The citizens are the eyes, ears and conscience of the police. Also, police officers are human beings and should also be encouraged as they often put their life at risk to ensure protection of lives and properties. The media should also do investigative journalism and accurate reporting rather than stirring negative sentiments and sensationalising tragedies.”
Responding, Okei-Odumakin equally thanked the police for their early response to victims of police brutality. She said, “I also commend the human gesture personally displayed by the CP as well as the scholarships issued the police force led by IGP Solomon Arase to the Udoh family.
“I also challenge citizens to collaborate with the police in ensuring appropriate reporting of crime suspects and erring officers. There is also the need for more funding for the welfare of the police officers so as to motivate them to do much more than they are currently doing,” she added.
Speaking on the extrajudicial killing of Mrs. Comfort Udoh by Corporal Musefiu Aremu, the legal advisor to Women Arise, Christian Kolawole Love, said the case was adjourned to January 27, 2016.
He also commended the police for their professionalism, by not covering up for their erring officer, but dismissing and arraigning him.
Comments