Coronavirus: IGP Orders Police To Stop Detaining Some Offenders

Coronavirus: IGP Orders Stoppage Of Detention For Minor Offences
IGP Mohammed Adamu. Photo: Sahara reporters

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has ordered police officers to stop detaining minor-offence suspects due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Police spokesman, Frank Mba, made this known in a statement on Sunday evening.

According to the statement, the IGP said detention should be reduced to the barest minimum, and only for “serious offences” because police stations across the country are known to be filled beyond their capacity.

The statement said: “The IGP, while urging officers to observe personal safety measures, further directs the Zonal AIGs and Command CPs to ensure that cases of unnecessary arrests and detention of suspects are not condoned.

“He reiterates that detention of suspects must be reduced to the barest minimum and that only very serious cases such as terrorism, armed robbery, homicide and other non-bailable offences should warrant detention.”

The police IG also asked officers nationwide to ensure all orders given by relevant authorities to curb the spread of the virus are “strictly enforced”.

He also directed that necessary measures should be taken to screen persons that would be held in custody.

“The IGP enjoins citizens to avoid social visits to police stations and other police offices and minimize official visits, except where absolutely necessary,” the statement added.

“Also, in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive that all tertiary institutions be shut, the IGP has ordered the immediate closure of the Nigeria Police Academy as well as all Police Primary and Secondary Schools nationwide.”

Related Articles