IG to commissioners: Take a bribe and lose your job

Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police (IG), has warned commissioners in all the state commands against corruption, saying they could be thrown out of the force for it.

The IG gave this warning in a statement issued by Jimoh Moshood, police spokesman, on Monday.

He advised officers to conduct themselves professionally and to handle criminal cases diligently.

Addressing DIGs, AIGs and CPs at a conference at the force headquarters in Abuja, Idris said “any act of misconduct could throw them out of the force”.

“I expect the highest standard from you. Don’t let anybody buy your conscience. Hold your own, I want you to be very professional,” the IGP charged them,” he said.

He charged them to be civil in relating with members of the public and respect their socio-cultural values.

Idris also ordered them to embrace the ‘change begins with me’ slogan and to ensure that no money was collected from members of the public for bail.

“As you are all aware, bail is free’, always sensitise officers and men in your commands on this, anyone caught on this act will be dismiss from service,” he said.

“The law as we know is blind. We represent the most visible arm of justice and we must use that power prudently.

“However, we must embrace change as the only permanent fixture in life.”

The police chief also warned that any senior officer found engaged in any form of corrupt practices would be punished accordingly.

Idris said “the era of bribery and corrupt practices in the police circle was over”.

He warned that “any senior police officer found to be engaged in corrupt practices will face the full wrath of the law and would be sanctioned appropriately”.

Idris also cautioned officers against illegal investigation of cases, unlawful detention of suspects and prolonged detention, urging them to always respect human rights in the course of conducting investigations.