The Imo state Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Barde, has warned police officers in the state to desist from checking phones, palm tops, and laptops of residents of the state as well as demanding tinted glass permits from motorists.
A statement released by the spokesperson of the command, SP Michael Abattam, says the police boss gave the warning following several complaints of harassment received from residents of the state.
”The Commissioner of Police frowns at this unwholesome negative attitudes exhibited by Policemen, and warned in strong terms, that all Police Officers while on patrols/stop and search duties who are in the habit of harassing youths and checking their Phones, Palmtops, Laptops and demanding for tinted glass permit to stop such act forthwith in the State.”the statement in part reads
Abattam mentioned that the state Commissioner of Police has also advised the youths to ensure that they respect the rule of law and desist from ”using black cellophane to create artificially tinted on the glasses of their vehicles.
”Those with factory-fitted tinted glasses are free to use them without permit. Also, those in the habit of using spy number plate, covering their car number plates or replaced same with designed logos of the make of their vehicles should desist from such illegal act as, anyone caught, his/her vehicle will be impounded and the owner will be made to face the full wrath of the law. ”the statement read in part
He mentioned that the Commissioner of Police has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPO) and Tactical Teams Commanders of the various units in the Command to ensure their subordinates are warned against indulging in these practices as any Police Officer found complicit will be made to face disciplinary actions.
Furthermore, he directed that Officers and men should be professional and uphold international best practices and exercise their duty to the general public devoid of any form of victimization.
”Finally, the CP while commending Imolites for their constant support to the Command, especially the youths, assured them of the Command’s efforts in ensuring a crime free yuletide season and enjoined them to assist the Police by volunteering credible and timely information. Moreso, in time of distress or whenever they are being harassed by any member of the Force, they should not hesitate to call the Command’s emergency control room numbers for quick intervention: 08034773600 or 08098880197.” the statement added
