*As Police chief, Alkali Baba, frowns at brutality, extortion of public
*Orders AIG FIB to supervise IRT/STS for effectiveness, efficiency
By ABIRHIRE THOMAS
The good character regeneration, capacity rebuilding and instilling of intra-service discipline made possible by avowed ongoing reforms across rank and file of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) climbed to yet another cader of commendation when, on Monday, the Force High Command in Abuja paraded and publicly presented a police constable for dismissal.
In a press briefing at its Loui’s Edet House, addressed by Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force showed and announced the dismissal of PC Liyomo Okoi with Force No. 524503.
Force PRO, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, while parading PC Liyomi Okoi, who was dismissed from service for brutality and extortion, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday August 8, 2022.
According to Adejobi in the address made available to The DEFENDER, Okoi was attached to Ekori Divisional Headquarters, Cross Rivers State Police Command where he worked until he was caught with what he described as gross misconduct, captured in a viral video on 31st July, 2022.
In the video, PC Okoi was flogging a man with a machete and, in taking action, his dismissal was with immediate effect from the day of action. the 8th of August, 2022.
In the meantime, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has sent warning to all Commissioners of Police across the states of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in a tone that suggested that, if brutality, extortion and any further misconduct of any type occurs from officers or men of any state, the state CP will be held responsible.
According to CSP Adejobi, “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, fdc, has expressed grave disappointment at the reports of brutality and extortion leveled against some police officers via various complaint channels available to the public, particularly on social media platforms.
“The IGP has therefore directed all supervising Commissioners of Police and Tactical/Strategic Commanders to ensure strict supervision of their personnel as further incidences of this nature would be viewed strictly.”
By way of holistic measures, the Police number one Spokesman said, “The IGP has also ordered a holistic overhauling of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), the Special Tactical Squad (STS), and the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) Units to ensure that their operations are in tandem with the purpose for their creation, and maximum effectiveness and output in line with the mandate of the IGP’s administration and public safety.
“The IGP has therefore directed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau (AIG-FIB) to carry out supervisory role over the three units to ensure their operations are professional, active and productive and do not infringe on the fundamental rights of the citizenry, and other members of the public.
“In the same vein, the Force has dismissed Force No. 524503 PC Liyomo Okoi attached to Ekori Divisional Headquarters, Cross Rivers Police Command for gross misconduct captured in a viral video on 31st July, 2022 where he was flogging a man with a machete. His dismissal takes effect from today the 8th of August, 2022.
PC Liyomi Okoi before his dismissal.
“The Inspector-General of Police, has therefore reiterated his commitment to ethical regeneration, restoration of professional standard and enhancement of the anti-corruption drive with dedication to entrenching human rights-driven policing within the country.
“The IGP expressed confidence that the current overhauling will improve the effectiveness of the units, and rid them of negative elements who deviate from the standard operating procedure of the Units, and the Nigeria Police Force in general.”
