By Philip Eke, Yenagoa
The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, has assured residents of Bayelsa and Rivers States that all allegations of extortion, unlawful vehicle stops and misconduct against its officers will be thoroughly investigated and erring personnel sanctioned.
The Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, SP Gunn Emonena, gave the assurance in an exclusive interview with New Waves, saying although police officers have the power to stop and question persons reasonably suspected of wrongdoing, such powers must be exercised within the ambit of the law.
Emonena said complaints of extortion must be supported with credible evidence, adding that petitions backed by verifiable facts would be treated with utmost seriousness.
On phone searches, the ZPPRO clarified that officers have no right to indiscriminately search citizens’ phones on the road, noting that where there is serious suspicion or a petition against a person, such individual should be taken to the station for proper investigation.
He disclosed that the Zone, under the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16, AIG Abubakar Zubairu PSC, has deployed surveillance Toyota Hilux vehicles fitted with CCTV cameras to monitor checkpoints and check excesses of operatives in the field.
According to him, the initiative is designed to record activities at checkpoints, identify officers involved in misconduct and provide evidence for investigation and disciplinary action.
The zonal spokesman also advised motorists to ensure their vehicle particulars are complete and up to date, including proper transfer of ownership documents.
He cited a case of a vehicle which had changed hands several times without necessary documentation, making it difficult to establish the legitimate owner.
He further said owners of tinted vehicles must obtain the approved permit, stressing that application is done online, while designated officers are available to assist applicants encountering difficulties.
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On reporting police misconduct, he urged residents to document vital details such as police vehicle registration number, names or service numbers of officers involved, location of the incident and other available evidence.
He advised complainants to channel reports through the Zonal Complaint Response Unit and the Force Complaint Response Unit, including its WhatsApp platform, for follow-up action.
The ZPPRO said residents should not entertain fear in reporting genuine cases, noting that several complaints had been resolved through appropriate channels, but cautioned against false and unsubstantiated allegations against officers.
He appealed to motorists to remain calm and cooperate with lawful checks at checkpoints, stressing that citizens with nothing to hide should allow necessary inspections without confrontation.
On measures to restore public confidence, he said the Zone is committed to standardization, internal monitoring and improved police-public relations.
He added that checkpoints along major routes, including the East-West Road, the Bayelsa-Port Harcourt Road and Airport Road, Omagwa, have been drastically reduced, while officers found culpable of misconduct face internal disciplinary measures ranging from severe reprimand to reduction in rank and orderly room trial.
He urged residents to continue to cooperate with the police, report genuine cases with evidence and support efforts to ensure a safer Bayelsa and Rivers, while advising youths to shun drugs and acts capable of exposing them to criminality.
