AIG Akpanudom warns PSFU, SWAT officers against unlawful arrests, detention

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The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon Akpanudom, has warned police officers against unlawful arrests, detention and other practices capable of undermining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

Akpanudom gave the warning on Monday during a working visit to the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), where he charged officers to uphold professionalism, discipline, accountability and strict adherence to the rule of law.

Addressing investigators at the PSFU, the AIG stressed the need for thorough and professional investigations, urging officers to understand every case assigned to them, including actions already taken, outstanding investigative steps and the appropriate direction for concluding each case.

He specifically cautioned against unlawful detention, arrest by proxy and other illegal practices, stressing that the rights of persons involved in investigations must be respected.

Akpanudom directed officers to comply with legal procedures, including obtaining court warrants where required and ensuring that persons in custody are produced before a competent court within the time prescribed by law.

He also warned that searches and other investigative activities must be conducted lawfully and professionally.

The AIG further said police officers should exercise caution in the seizure of phones and other electronic devices, stressing that such items should only be seized where they are suspected to be instruments of an offence and subsequently subjected to forensic analysis where necessary to aid investigations.

According to him, strict compliance with due process would strengthen public confidence in police operations and enhance the credibility of investigations.

At the SWAT formation, Akpanudom emphasised discipline, operational readiness, restraint and compliance with standard operating procedures.

He warned officers against conduct capable of bringing the Police Force into disrepute and urged them to exercise their powers responsibly and with sound judgment.

The AIG also tasked senior officers with mentoring and supervising junior personnel, noting that effective leadership involves transferring knowledge, correcting shortcomings and ensuring that officers understand the laws and procedures guiding their duties.

He commended personnel of both formations for their dedication, appearance and professional disposition.

Responding on behalf of the formations, the Commissioner of Police in charge of PSFU, CP Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo, and the Commissioner of Police in charge of SWAT, CP Olukayode Ayilara, thanked the AIG for the visit and his guidance.

They pledged to maintain and improve professional standards in their respective formations and ensure that their operations contribute positively to the image of the Nigeria Police Force.

Akpanudom urged all personnel to remain committed to professionalism, integrity, discipline, accountability, respect for human rights and service to the public.

He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening supervision and professional standards across the FCID Annex, Lagos, while ensuring that investigations and policing operations are conducted strictly in accordance with the law.

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