Ebonyi Police Warns Officers Against Rights Violations, Prolonged Detention

The Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Hope Urunwa Okafor, has cautioned officers of the Command against detaining suspects beyond the legally stipulated period, stressing the need to uphold fundamental human rights.

Okafor issued the warning during a strategic briefing with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Heads of Departments, and other senior officers in Abakaliki.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, the commissioner also warned officers against interfering in civil matters, particularly land disputes.

She conveyed concerns from the Inspector-General of Police regarding the image of the Force, emphasising the need for professionalism to rebuild public trust.

The CP expressly prohibited profiling citizens based on appearance, as well as the indiscriminate search of personal devices such as mobile phones and other gadgets.

She further urged officers to align with the vision of the Inspector-General aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force.

Reiterating key directives, Okafor warned against misconduct, including extortion, operating illegal checkpoints, and luring citizens into traffic violations for financial gain.

She also cautioned against arresting innocent individuals to coerce them into withdrawing money from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), as well as engaging in unauthorised VIP escort duties in violation of presidential directives.

The commissioner additionally warned against indiscipline in appearance, including improper dressing and poor grooming.

She directed supervising officers to ensure strict oversight of their subordinates, stressing that there would be zero tolerance for misconduct.

Okafor added that any officer found culpable would face decisive sanctions, noting that there would be no room for leniency.