Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI), a human rights group has disclosed that the recent order by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, warning against unlawful and prolonged detentions will curb abuse of human rights among policemen across the country.
The group made this disclosure in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Yemi Ezekiel Bello.
The statement was made available to journalists on Monday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Egbetokun, had in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, warned officers of the Nigeria Police Force against unlawful and prolonged detentions.
The IGP in the statement made available to journalists on Sunday, stressed that any officer found violating constitutional provisions on human rights will face serious consequences.
Bello, while reacting, said that many innocent citizens have been killed unjustly while some have been detained unlawful for offences they did not commit.
He insisted that this order by the IGP will help to curb abuse of human rights among the police officers across the country.
Bello while applauding the IGP for kicking against incessant unlawful and prolonged detentions of innocent citizens in the country by some police officers, said that the IGP has done well by warning police officers to respect the fundamental human rights of the citizens.
He added that it will be a good thing if the police officers across the country can comply with the IGP ‘s order.
He maintained that this will redeem the image of the Nigerian police force tainted by the unprofessional conduct of some officers.
He said “IGP through the force PRO frankly told the Police officers to respect the fundamental human rights of the citizens while carrying out their duties even on pre-trial detention and that they should respect the rights to dignity of human persons and personal liberty of the citizens as enshrined in section 34 and 35 of the Nigeria 1999 constitution as amended.
“He also warned against violating these fundamental rights and clearly said there would be punishment for erring officers. We need to say clearly that the IGP deserves appreciation. Since his resumption to office he has been speaking of the defence of the human rights of the citizens though alot of violations has happened by some of his officers.
“If we went against violation of fundamental human rights by the police we should also appreciate the IGP ‘s efforts in the re – orientation of the officers and his continuous affirmations on respecting the fundamental human rights of the citizens as disregard of this has killed some innocent citizens and others has been unlawfully punished for offences not committed.
“Some officers are so power drunk and usual abusers of office which is against their rules of engagement as stipulated in the police act 2020 as amended and code of conduct for professional officers. It will be a good thing if the police can comply with the IGP ‘s order and the rules of engagement as this will redeem the image of the Nigerian police force tainted by the unprofessional conduct of some officers.
“Once again SPANCI appreciates IGP Egbetokun on his speech to his officers to respect the fundamental human rights of the citizens. May God help him to succeed in his duty”.