Police officer who collects money for bail is worse than a kidnapper – Lagos CP

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu, on Monday, lambasted policemen who collect money for bail from the family of suspect, saying that they are worse than kidnappers. Muazu urged policemen involved in the practice to desist from doing so, adding that anyone arrested for his or her involvement in “Money for bail” would […]

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu, on Monday, lambasted policemen who collect money for bail from the family of suspect, saying that they are worse than kidnappers.

Muazu urged policemen involved in the practice to desist from doing so, adding that anyone arrested for his or her involvement in “Money for bail” would be treated like a kidnapper.

Muazu, who made the statement while addressing policemen at the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (SCIDI), Panti Street, Yaba, where he had gone to  commission the department’s ‘Statement Taking Room’ urged Police officers to stay far away from corruption.

The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) program under the European Union had set up a ‘Statement Taking Room’ at the SCIID to enhance police investigation.

Muazu, while commending RoLAC for the initiative, added that it is an understatement to say statement taking is important in the police investigation as it is a foundation in the process of investigation.

“I will advise that we stay far away from corruption. It gives us a bad name as it is unprofessional and unethical. We have always said bail is free and we mean it. I keep saying it that any policeman who collects money for bail is not different from a kidnapper. The only difference is that everyone knows where you keep the suspects. The country is hard and we need the people more than they need us. Let us stay far from corruption”, he sated

Muazu commended DCP Yetunde Longe in charge of the SCIID, Panti for her diligence and assured members of the public that the Statement Taking Room will be utilized effectively.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCIID, Panti, Yetunde Longe, said the SCIID is more than ready to embrace the world best practice in an investigation as she commended ROLAC for the donation of equipment and training of 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 utilized for the purpose for which it is intended. The vision and the mission of the IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu in ensuring a diligent investigation is a task that must be accomplished.” she said.

The Lagos State Direct of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, who was also at the event said she was delighted to witness the commissioning of the facility which she described as very important in an investigation.

She said overtime, there had been issues on manners in which statement is being taken from suspects and the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws 2015 has mandated the recording of statements.

She added that the Police was not adequately equipped in statement taking before and enjoined them to utilize the newly donated facility in line with the Police practice and the Nigeria Constitution.