The Lagos State Police Commissioner, Zubairu Muazu, inaugurated a statement-taking room for CID Panti, Yaba on Tuesday, saying policemen collecting money for bail were not different from kidnappers and would not be spared.
The Nigeria News Agency (NAN) reports that the facility was provided through the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Program (RoLAC) managed by the British Council and funded by the European Union.
Mr Muazu commended RoLAC for the initiative at the ceremony on Tuesday, noting that statements were crucial in police investigations
The commissioner said the statement-taking was the police investigation’s basis.
He said the facility was essential for police activities, assuring the British Council that it would be put to efficient use.
Police boss advised command officers against corrupt operations, stating anyone caught would be dealt with decisively.
“I advise that we stay far away from corruption. It gives us bad name as it is unprofessional and unethical
He warned them not to collect money for bail.
“We have always said bail is free and we mean it. I keep saying that any policeman who collects money for bail is not different from a kidnapper. The only difference is that everyone knows where you kept the suspects.
“The country is hard and we need the people more than they need us. Let us stay far from corruption,” he said.
Mr Muazu praised the diligence of Yetunde Longe in charge of the CID.
He promised the public that the facility would be used efficiently.
Commenting, Ms. Longe, a deputy police commissioner, said the CID was ready to embrace the investigative best practices of the world.
She commended ROLAC for donating the equipment and for training officers attached to the department.
“This will in no small measure add value to our productivity. I want to assure the CP, the donor and other stakeholders that this facility will be judiciously utilised for the intended purpose.
“The vision and mission of the I-G, Mohammed Adamu, to ensure diligent investigations is a task that must be accomplished,” she said.
Titilayo Shitta-Bay, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, said she was pleased to witness the inauguration, stating the facility was essential for police inquiries.
She said there were problems with the way in which statements were drawn from suspects.
She observed that the 2015 Criminal Justice Law Administration mandated the recording of statements.
RoLAC’s Lagos State Program Coordinator, Ajibola Ijimakinwa, said the program was directed at improving good governance, curbing corruption, and ensuring effective prosecution of police cases.
“This is why we work and partner with the police to ensure critical laws are adhered to.
“We are looking at setting up more statement-taking rooms in Lagos as we look forward to the effective use of the facility,” she said.
NAN reports that the three-room facility has room-taking investigation / statement and a surveillance center where police officers are supervised investigating situations. (NAN)