The new Lagos Police boss, Abiodun Alabi, has vowed to ensure that there will be no violation of Human Rights by the Police during his tenure in the state.
CP Alabi who made the vow at a media parley in Lagos on Tuesday, underlined the need for the Police to gain the trust and confidence of the public through constant and cordial engagement with the communities and their leaders.
In his words: “We have to build trust and confidence so that if anybody is willing to give information to the Police the fear will not be there.
“I’ve already told my area Commanders that I’m not going to say something without matching it with action. They should go back to their various posts and make sure there is positive change in public perception of the Police.
“The Police must be friendly and see people coming to them as partners and those who need assistance not enemies.
“We work with information and intelligence and so we’re going to improve our relationship with the public for more collaboration to improve the country’s security.
On the issue of bailing those under detaintion, CP Alibi restated that bail is free in Nigeria but some members of the public still prefer to give money.
“I must tell you that there’s no policeman who can force you to part with your money, however, some people still believe that you have to give the police money to get what you want
“Police officers from Nigeria perform exceptionally well when they go outside the country for international assignments but at home the story is different, why is this so?
“Perhaps there are some negative societal influence at home that affects their performance because there are even some civilians who seek to corrupt the police, I must be frank.
“I detest and abhor extortion, many of the officers I’d worked with are well aware of this. Under my command I do not permit any policeman to collect money under any disguise or engage in any unprofessional conduct.
The new Lagos police chief urged members of the public to report infringements by the police through the various dedicated phone numbers for prompt action.
Recall that CP Alabi had come up with a seven point agenda to guide his administration in policing Lagos State.
They are:
Visibility policing and control of security space
Respect for fundamental human rights
Police officers conduct in accordance with Police professional principles
Confidence building and trust in members of the public through intelligence-led community policing
Collaboration with the 4th Estate of the realm (media)
Public accessibility and feedback
Crime trends and patterns monitoring.
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