Lagos police boss recalls ‘power drunk’ policeman

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, has reacted to a media report about an errant Divisional Police Officer (DPO) by ordering the recall of the officer.

A statement yesterday by the Command spokesman, Chike Oti, said his boss’ attention was drawn to a publication under caption, ‘Power-drunk Lagos DPO leads team to mosque, raid adherents, others.’

The statement read: “The reporter mentioned that the DPO in charge of Pen Cinema Police Division, Harrison Nwabuisi, has been conducting raids, during which he allegedly arrested innocent residents and extorted money from them.

“He further reported that the Police operation took place on Wednesday, being the last day of the Sallah holiday, at Alimi Ogunyemi Street in the Ifako Ijaiye area and mentioned one Sheriff Aranjure as a prime witness to the alleged extortion by the DPO.

“Sequel to the allegation, the commissioner has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yetunde Longe, to investigate the officer and other ranks against whom the allegation was made.

“He equally directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, Elkanah Ayuba, to recall the DPO to the Command headquarters to allow unbiased investigation into the matter.

“The Command is, therefore, appealing to Aranjure, said to be a vital and indeed other witnesses in the matter, to make themselves available to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCIID, Panti, Yaba, to assist police investigation.

“While recognising the fact that raiding is a major crime-fighting strategy of the Police, given that it enables proactive intervention into a budding problem, the CP, however said it must be purposeful, corruption-free and intelligence-driven.

“He, therefore, assures members of the public that if the allegation is true, any officer or men found culpable in the matter would be appropriately sanctioned in accordance with the relevant sections of the Police Act.”