FCT Police Commissioner Orders Halt to Bribery and Illegal Detentions

In a bid to restore integrity within the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, CP Ajao Adewale has issued a directive warning residents against offering bribes to police officers, a criminal offence under Section 118 of the Penal Code Act. This announcement follows increasing complaints about police officers unlawfully detaining suspects and demanding payments before investigations.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, released a statement on Saturday detailing the commissioner’s stance against these unlawful practices, which violate constitutional rights and the Inspector-General of Police’s guidelines.

CP Adewale stressed that bail is free and cautioned that any police personnel demanding money for bail or documentation would face strict disciplinary action. He ordered all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to review and release suspects held for minor, bailable offences after due process.

Furthermore, the commissioner warned officers to avoid intervening in civil matters, especially land disputes, which fall outside police jurisdiction. He declared that any officer or supervisor found violating this directive would be held accountable.

The commissioner also condemned the extortion of money before investigations, describing it as an abuse of office that will be punished severely. He advised the public not to misuse the police for debt recovery or personal vendettas and cautioned against offering bribes.

Residents were urged to support the police command’s efforts to ensure professionalism and respect for human rights by reporting misconduct to the Complaint Response Unit at 08107314192.