Lagos – Taking and bribing Police personnel has become a criminal offence in Lagos as the State Commissioner, Mr. Abiodun Alabi declared that the officer and the civilian involved will be prosecuted accordingly.
Reacting to the incessant complain again his officers and men allegedly demanding bribe from members of the public who have committed offences, the CP urged the public to refuse any requests for bribes made by Police officers while performing their jobs, regardless of the officers’ position.
During an interactive session with Crime Reporters on Saturday at the Police Officers Mess in Ikeja, Lagos CP Alabi emphasized that no civilian should ever provide money to Police to help get bail or carry out an officer’s duty.
He reminded the public that everyone who gives money to the police is just as culpable as the police officer who accepts the bribe while repeating the adage that “bail is free. Nigerians like to buy their freedom because they have committed”.
He wondered why a man would want to waste money bribing police to secure his freedom if he has not committed crime.
Also while commending the commitment of officers and men of tactical units like the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Anti-Cultism and so on, in the recent decrease in crime in Lagos State, the Commissioner warned the bad elements in the various squads to desist from demanding and collecting money from members of the public who come to them with crime related problems.
“Information had reached me of instances where huge sums were demanded by some operatives of the Squads from members of the public who came to lodge one complaint or the other.
At such occasions, he condemned such erring officers adding that he would henceforth deal ruthlessly with any officer or rank and file caught indulging in such anti service activities.
The CP Lagos however commended Crime Reporters in Lagos who have helped him to attain his modest achievements since he assumed office in the State seven months ago.
Earlier in his speech, President of Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Mr. Lekan Olabulo commended the Commissioner for carrying journalists along in policing Lagos State, adding that Alabi’s interest in the affairs of the beat Association would not be taken for granted as police and crime reporters are partners in progress.
Other journalists who spoke at the event also commended the Police boss for running an open door policy which has made his administration a success so far.
