Imo CP Urges Officers To Respect Rights of Suspects

Commissioner of police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, has cautioned officers and men of the command to respect the fundamental rights of suspects in their custody as enshrined in the nation’s constitution.

He also charged the police personnel to obey  rules of engagement and other legal frameworks guiding the profession.

Danjuma gave this admonition at the weekly in-house refresher training  organized by the command for personnel on the directive of the inspector-general of police, (IGP) Kayode  Egbetokun held at the command’s headquarters in Owerri.

The CP stressed that officers found culpable of violating rights of suspects and citizens  would not escape appropriate disciplinary sanction, stating, “respect for human rights in line of duty is non-negotiable.”

Danjuma reiterated the IGP Egbetokun’s unwavering commitment to accountability, professionalism, and continuous training of personnel aimed at repositioning the police for effective and people-oriented service delivery.

The police boss solicited the public’s continued support and collaboration in achieving adequate security in the state, while urging them to report officers involved in any act of unprofessionalism and violation of their human rights.

Delivering a lecture titled “Human Rights Issues: Handling of Suspects and Other Citizens to Ensure No Breach of Human Rights Occurs”, the chief principal security officer to the Government of Imo State, CSP Shaba Gboyako Adamu said respecting human rights of suspects is key in ensuring justice, equity and a better society.

CSP Shaba highlighted that the lecture focused on educating officers and men of the Command on the importance of civility, restraint, and professionalism in their interactions with members of the public, especially during arrests, interrogations, patrols, and other law enforcement duties.

He emphasised that respect for human dignity must guide all police operations, and that any breach of fundamental rights not only undermines the image of the police but also invites legal and disciplinary consequences.

CPS Shaba also highlighted the provisions of international human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), encouraged officers to remain guided by the Police Act 2020, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), and internal Force Orders in all their dealings with suspects and citizens.

The lecture series included the command’s management team, tactical team commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and officers and men from all units and divisions.