Taiwo Popoola
A human rights group, Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative, SPANCI, has declared that the recent order by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, warning against unlawful and prolonged detentions will curb human rights abuses among policemen across the country.
SPANCI made this declaration via a statement signed by its President, Comrade Yemi Ezekiel Bello, and made available to Urban Express News Online on Monday.
Egbetokun, in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had warned officers of the Nigeria Police Force against unlawful and prolonged detentions.
Egbetokun, in the statement made available to journalists on Sunday, stressed that any officer found violating constitutional provisions on human rights would face serious consequences.
Bello, while speaking, said that many innocent citizens had been killed unjustly, while some had been unlawfully detained for offences they did not commit.
He insisted that this order by the IGP would help curb human rights abuses among police officers across the country.
Bello, while applauding the IGP for taking a stand against incessant unlawful and prolonged detentions of innocent citizens by some police officers, said that the IGP had done well by warning police officers to respect the fundamental human rights of citizens.
He added that it would be a good thing if police officer across the country complied with the IGP’s order.
He maintained that this would help redeem the image of the Nigerian Police Force, which has been tainted by the unprofessional conduct of some officers.
He said, “The IGP, through the Force PRO, frankly told police officers to respect the fundamental human rights of citizens while carrying out their duties, even during pre-trial detention and that they should respect the rights to dignity of human persons and personal liberty of citizens as enshrined in Sections 34 and 35 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“He also warned against violating these fundamental rights and clearly stated that there would be punishment for erring officers.
“We need to acknowledge that the IGP deserves appreciation. Since assuming office, he has been vocal about defending the human rights of citizens, though many violations have still been committed by some of his officers.
“If we stand against violations of fundamental human rights by the police, we should also appreciate the IGP’s efforts in the reorientation of officers and his continuous affirmations on respecting the fundamental human rights of citizens.
“The disregard for these rights has led to the deaths of innocent citizens and the unlawful punishment of others for crimes they did not commit.
“Some officers are power-drunk and habitual abusers of office, which is against their rules of engagement as stipulated in the Police Act 2020, as amended, and the Code of Conduct for Professional Officers.
“It would be a good thing if the police complied with the IGP’s order and the rules of engagement, as this would help redeem the image of the Nigerian Police Force, which has been tainted by the unprofessional conduct of some officers.
“Once again, SPANCI appreciates IGP Egbetokun for his directive to officers to respect the fundamental human rights of citizens. May God help him succeed in his duty.”
