*As IGP decries indiscriminate use, sales of police uniform
By ABIRHIRE THOMAS
The Nigerian Police Force has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Chairperson for the Edo State Police Command, Mrs Helen Atekha Odemwingie.
The Force equally decried the illegal use of police uniforms, kits and accoutrements by non-police individuals and groups.
The suspension was coming on the heels of a trending picture of the PCRC chairperson and other members at a function, held at the Edo State Police Command, wherein the PCRC members were seen wearing black uniforms similar to that of the Nigeria Police Force, with accompanying insignias and various inscriptions.
It has been noted that the act contravenes the provisions of section 214(1) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and section 101 of the Police Act, 2020.
In line with the extant law, the IGP thereby warned that henceforth, any individual, who adorns himself illegally in police uniform, will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Similarly, the IGP ordered the police disciplinary units particularly the Force Provost Marshal, the IGP X-Squad and Monitoring Unit to clampdown on persons, who engage in the illegal sales of police uniforms, kits and accoutrements, outside of police approved stores and the office of the Quartermaster.
In the same vein, the Inspector-General of Police further directed the Force Public Relations Officer to meet and collaborate with members of the Guild of Actors in Nigeria to improve partnership to ensure proper use of police uniforms, kits and accoutrements in their movies and skits.
