Uzodinma’s Security Chief tasks Police officers on imperative of safeguarding suspect’s rights, dignity
By Prisca Nguzo
Officers and men of the Imo State Police Command have been urged to strictly respect and protect the fundamental human rights and dignity of suspects and citizens in the course of discharging their duties.
Chief Principal Security Officer to the Imo State governor, CSP Shaba Gboyako Adamu gave the advice while delivering a lecture titled “Human Rights Issues: Handling of Suspects and Other Citizens to Ensure No Breach of Human Rights Occurs”, at the weekly in-house refresher training organized by the state police command for its personnel, held at the Command’s headquarters on Tuesday.
CSP Shaba emphasized that respect for human rights and dignity must guide all police operations, adding that rights violation not only undermines the image of the Police but also invites legal and disciplinary consequences.
Governor Uzodinma’s security chief said the lecture aimed at educating officers on the essence of civility, restraint, and professionalism in their interactions with members of the public, especially during arrests, interrogations, patrols, and other law enforcement duties.
He said, “handling of suspects and citizens in Nigeria must align with the country ‘s constitutional provisions, statutory laws, and international obligations. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees Fundamental Rights, and it also provides necessary safeguards and exceptions to balance individual liberty with public interest.
“The courts plays crucial role in interpreting and enforcing these rights, ensuring that limitations do not amount to abuse of power. While progress has been made through reforms such as the ACIA 2015 and the Police Act 2020, systemic and operational changes are necessary to ensure compliance and accountability.”
“It is imperative that law enforcement officers are continually trained and monitored to ensure that no breach of human rights occurs in the course of their duties. Protecting human rights in law enforcement is a legal and moral duty. Ensuring fair treatment of suspects and citizens builds a just society.” he added.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the training, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma appreciated CSP Shaba for the lecture as well as the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun for initiating the weekly training.
The CP warned that officers found culpable of violating rights of suspects and citizens in the state would not escape appropriate disciplinary sanction, saying, “respect for human rights in line of duty is non-negotiable.”
He reiterated the IGP Egbetokun’s unwavering commitment to accountability, professionalism, and continuous training of personnel aimed at repositioning the Police for effective and people-oriented service delivery.
The police boss further solicited the public continued support and collaboration to achieving adequate security in the state, while urging them to report officers involved in any act of unprofessionalism or violation of their human rights.
The lecture had in attendance the management team of the Command along with tactical team commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and officers and men from all the units, and divisions across the state.
