By Miriam Humbe
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin City, covering Delta and Edo State Police Commands, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, in collaboration with the consultant to the Police Service Commission on Community Policing/Technical Advisory On Human Rights Violations and allied infractions, Dr Olayinka B. Balogun, (CP Rtd) today organized a Seminar/Interactive Session for Police Officers and relevant stakeholders.
SP Tijani A. Momoh, the Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 5 Headquarters,
Benin City disclosed this in a statement signed on Thursday.
It was themed: “Human Rights Violations and Other Allied Infractions.”
The seminar, which took place at the conference hall of Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin City, was aimed at sensitizing officers on the need to uphold professionalism, discipline, accountability, and respect for the fundamental human rights of Nigerians in the discharge of their statutory duties.
The AIG emphasized that respect for human rights remains a cardinal principle of modern policing and an essential requirement for effective law enforcement.
He noted that the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu is committed to operating within the ambit of the law and ensuring that officers conduct themselves in a manner that promotes public trust and confidence.
AIG Salman-Dogo Garba further stated that the seminar was organized to continually remind officers of the consequences of human rights abuses, unprofessional conduct, unlawful and prolonged detention, extortion, harassment, and other misconduct capable of bringing the image of the Force into disrepute.
He charged officers to remain civil, responsible, and people-oriented in the course of their lawful duties.
The consultant to the Police Service Commission, a retired Commissioner of Police, Dr Olayinka B. Balogun, delivered insightful lectures on citizens’ rights, ethical policing standards, disciplinary procedures, garnishee orders, the need for officers not to delve into civil matters and the importance of accountability in policing.
The interactive session also afforded participants the opportunity to engage in constructive discussions, ask questions, and share practical experiences geared towards improving police-community relations and promoting justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
The AIG reiterated the commitment of Zone 5 Command to zero tolerance for human rights violations and warned that any officer found culpable of misconduct or abuse of office would be made to face appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with extant laws and regulations.
Members of the public were also encouraged to continue supporting the Police with credible information and constructive partnerships necessary for effective policing and enhanced public safety.
Also present at the seminar was the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Police Command, CP Monday Agbonika, management staff of both the Zonal and State Command Headquarters, Commandant, Police Training School, Ogida, Divisional Police Officers, Sectional Heads, other senior officers, PCRC members and other stakeholders.
