Stop Giving Bribe To Policemen, Lagos Police Boss Warns Members Of The Public

By Frank Oshanugor

Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Abiodun Alabi has advised members of the public to resist any demand for bribe by any police personnel irrespective of the officers’ rank in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking in an interactive session with crime reporters at the Police Officers Mess, Ikeja Lagos on Saturday; Alabi warned that under no circumstance should any civilian offer money to police either to secure bail or facilitate the performance of an officer’s responsibility.

The police boss while reiterating the age long declaration that ‘bail is free’ reminded members of the public that any one who offers bribe to the police is as guilty as the police officer who receives the bribe.

According to him “Nigerians like to buy their freedom because they have committed.” He wondered why a man would want to waste money bribing police to secure his freedom if he has not committed crime.

While commending the commitment of officers and men of tactical units like the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Anti-Cultism and so on, in the recent decrease in crime in Lagos State, the Commissioner warned the bad elements in the various squads to desist from demanding and collecting money from members of the public who come to them with crime related problems.

According to him, information had reached him of instances where huge sums were demanded by some operatives of the Squads from members of the public who came to lodge one complaint or the other. At such occasions, he disciplined such erring officers adding that he would henceforth deal ruthlessly with any officer or rank and file caught indulging in such anti service activities.

The police boss commended crime reporters in Lagos who have helped him to attain his modest achievements since he assumed office in the State seven months ago.

Earlier in his speech, President of Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Mr. Lekan Olabulo commended the Commissioner for carrying journalists along in policing Lagos State, adding that Alabi’s interest in the affairs of the beat association would not be taken for granted as police and crime reporters are partners in progress.

Other journalists who spoke at the event also commended the police boss for running an open door policy which has made his administration a success so far.