The Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Hope Urunwa Okafor, has issued a strong warning to officers of the command against violating the fundamental rights of citizens and engaging in corrupt practices.
The police chief cautioned officers not to detain suspects beyond the period permitted by law, stressing that every individual in police custody must be treated with dignity and respect.
CP Okafor delivered the directive during a strategic meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Heads of Departments, and other senior officers in Abakaliki.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, the commissioner also warned officers to stay away from civil matters, especially disputes related to land ownership.
She further relayed the concerns of the Inspector-General of Police regarding the public perception of the force, emphasizing the need for professionalism that will rebuild trust and confidence in the police.
The commissioner strictly prohibited the profiling of citizens based on appearance and warned against the indiscriminate search of personal devices such as mobile phones and other electronic gadgets without proper legal backing.
CP Okafor urged officers to align with the reform vision of the Inspector-General aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force and improving its relationship with the public.
Reiterating key directives from the IGP, the commissioner warned officers against various forms of misconduct, including collecting money from motorists on highways, setting up illegal checkpoints, deliberately trapping road users to extort them, and arresting innocent citizens in order to force them to withdraw money from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
She also cautioned officers against carrying out unauthorized VIP escort services in violation of presidential directives, as well as acts of indiscipline such as improper dressing and poor personal grooming.
The police boss further directed supervisory officers to maintain strict oversight over their personnel, stressing that the command will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct.
According to her, any officer found guilty of violating these directives will face firm disciplinary action, adding that there will be no room for leniency or second chances.
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