Lagos Police Begins Implementation of Panel Recommendation on Human Right Abuses

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Lagos Police Command, monday said it has begun the implementation of the recommendations of a panel of inquiry into concerns of professional misconduct by its different units of operation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ag. CP Imohimi Edgal, who made this discloure at the command headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, said the recommendations will critically reassess past and current issues of allegations of human rights abuses against activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Anti-Kidnapping Squad and Anti-Cultism Squad.

He said the widely consulted panel of retired commissioners of police, credible journalists and lawyers from reputable chambers and human right bodies, did a careful instropect of measures that can reallign the enforcement agency with modern democratic policing and international best practices.

He said, “We will look into all allegations of human right abuses against officers and men of the units and give recommendations to prevent reoccurrence.

“We will profile personnel currently posted to the units and determine their suitability to continue in their units

“We will also make recommendations for the immediate training of officers and men of the units on the principles and tenets of fundamental human rights and the rule of law.

“Also, disturbing issues relating to investigation of civil matters, illegal detentions, prolonged and unconstitutional detentions, safety and custody of exhibits, welfare of suspects and detainees, sexual abuses molestation in any form, right to bail with an emphasis that bail is and must remain free, among other areas that the panel has deemed reasonable for modification, would be overhauled to sharpen the force’s performance and boost its image.

“I have reviewed this report with senior officers in my management team. We have looked at it and all the recommendations therein and we have resolved to immediately implement those short term aspects that we can give directives at the level of the command to ensure that we make the SARS more professional, result oriented and more in tune with international best practices and modern day democratic policing.

“However the long term aspects that require approvals from force headquarters will be used on to the appropriate quarters for review and necessary approvals.”

Imohimi however called on all media platforms to be dutiful in circumspection when dealing with social media reports, adding that they seek clarification for such reports.

He said, “At this period, we must not be unmindful of the antics those uncomfortable with the relative peace which has come as a result of strong partnership between the police and members of the public in line with the philosophy and ideologies of community policing.

“I also urge Lagosians to utilise the platform of the Public Complaints Hot Center at Alausa to report professional conduct and misconduct of policemen in the state.”