The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Police Command, Mohammed Ahmed Barde, has warned officers and men of the state command to desist forth with from checking the phones, laptops and other electronic devices of residents of Imo State, especially, the youths who have for so long been victims of extortion, harassment and intimidation arising from the illegal scrutiny of their phones and laptops by police officers at checkpoints.
The Public Relations Officer, Imo State Police Command, ASP Okoye Henry, in a release, captioned “IMO STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE OF FRIDAY 21ST JULY, 2023. CP IMO WARNS OFFICERS AND MEN TO STOP CHECKING OF PHONES, PALMTOPS, AND LAPTOPS” said the Commissioner’s directive is sequel to the series of complaints received from members of the public, especially the youths.
The release reads in full, “Sequel to a series of complaints received from members of the public, especially from the youth alleging indiscriminate harassment and illegal checking of their phones, palmtop, and laptop and extortion by Police Officers and in the process embarrassing the Command, The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, psc(+) has warned Police Officers posted on patrol and guard duties who are in the habit of harassing members of the public and checking their phones to desist forthwith as appropriate disciplinary sanctions will be meted against any erring officer.
The Commissioner of Police while interfacing with the Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Team Commanders in a meeting held at the Command headquarters, Owerri on 21/07/2023 charged them to warn their subordinates against indulging in any unprofessional practice as any Police Officer found complicit will be made to face disciplinary actions. Furthermore, he directed that officers and men should be professional, uphold the rule of law, protect the rights of all citizens, and exercise their lawful duties to the general public without exhibiting any form of vindictiveness.
While Commending Imolites for their constant support and cooperation, the CP reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to embrace modern policing techniques, improve the quality of Police Security service delivery across the State, and strengthen public trust and confidence in the Police Force. More so, in times of distress or whenever they are harassed by any member of the Force, they should not hesitate to call the Command’s emergency control room, CP Monitoring unit, or IGP X-Squad via any of the following lines: 08034773600, 08098880197, 08148024755 or 08103341610”.
