Owoseni, Lagos CP

Mr. Fatai Owoseni, Lagos Commissioner of Police is definitely not happy with the way some of his officers have been conducting their assigned job of law enforcement across the State.

In a meeting with the Area commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) on Wednesday, Owoseni lamented that some of the law enforcement officers had formed corrupt relationships with organised crime figures, receiving kickbacks in exchange for money.

At a meeting with the officers during a lecture on Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officers at the Police Officers’ Wives’ Association (POWA) Hall, Ikeja, the Commissioner warned that he is going to deal decisively with any of them caught engaging in such malpractices.

But he did not stop at that. The Police Commissioner went on to rain curses on the officers who engaged in such malpractices.

He said, “I am shocked to hear that some Area Commanders and DPOs are on the payrolls of fraudsters. I am investigating. Just pray that I don’t get you. Just know that you are causing pains for taxpayers if you are intimidating them and collecting bribe from criminals.

“It is a curse to build a house with the money. The building would collapse on your head. Some of you even take people to the bank to collect money. If you train your children with the money, they won’t be useful to you.

“If those who were in the force before us bastardised it, we would not have the opportunity to be enlisted in the police. I am tired of pleading with police victims because you are doing what you are not supposed to do. Remember, one day, you are going to die and give account to your creator.”

“It is embarrassing to see policemen collecting bribes and chasing yahoo yahoo boys for a DPO. I would not cover any DPO. I will expose you. Just leave Lagos before I get to your station. I cannot share out of your misconduct. I will give your photographs and details to journalists to expose you.”

“I am tired of hearing about shooting or killing of innocent persons. No one has the right to take another man’s life. It is only God that has the right to take life.

“It is your responsibility as a DPO to know those who are collecting bribe under you. If you refuse to stop them, they will stop you from being a DPO.

The Police Commissioner asked the DPOs and Area Commanders to warn their men against brutality, indiscriminate use of handcuffs on pregnant women, elders and persons with disability.

“Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) should take note. I will not tolerate any act of indiscipline. Learn a lesson from DPO Ijeshatedo, who shot dead a fashion designer. He is in our custody and we are compiling charges against him. He would soon be arraigned in court,” said Owoseni.

He also charged all DPOs in Ikorodu to use resources within their disposals to fish out the Badoo cult group that has been blamed for killings in the town. The Police commissioner also challenged the DPOs to decongest your their cells and ensure that nobody is detained more than 48 hours as he would be conducting checks on the cells.