No Suspect Must Die In Police Custody, Inspector-General Warns Officers

Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned officers and men of the force to desist from acts that could lead to death of suspects while in custody.

Addressing the management team, area commanders, squadron commanders, divisional police officers, heads of department and other officers during the monthly officers conference at the Nasarawa State police command in Lafia yesterday, the inspector general said suspects’ fundamental rights must be respected at all times.

Represented by the state commissioner of police, Shettima Mohammed, Mr. Disu said suspects, especially in civil matters, have the right to bail, adding that holding suspects needlessly was an affront on the law.

“On the treatment of suspects, I must reiterate that bail should be granted to deserving suspects in accordance with the law. Under no circumstances should any suspect die in police custody. This will not be tolerated. Officers must strictly adhere to human rights standards and extant regulations,” he stated.

The IG also urged officers and men of the command not to be tempted by the removal of the attorney-general’s consent which had made garnishee proceedings easier by acting unlawfully.

He said rather, the development underscored the need for all personnel to act professionally, lawfully and with integrity at all times in order to avoid legal and financial consequences.

He directed sustained raids on identified flashpoints and criminal hideouts across the state. He urged commanders to take proactive measures to dominate their areas of responsibility and deny criminals any safe haven.