The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Aboki Danjuma, has urged officers and men of the police command to strictly respect the fundamental rights of suspects in their custody, as enshrined in the Constitution and other legal frameworks guiding the police profession.
Danjuma gave the advice at the weekly in-house refresher training organised by the command for personnel on the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, held at the command’s headquarters on Tuesday.
The Imo CP warned that officers found culpable of violating the rights of suspects and citizens in the state under his leadership 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 called on the public to continue supporting and working together to ensure adequate security in the state, while urging them to report officers involved in any act of unprofessionalism or violation of their human rights.
Earlier, delivering a lecture titled “Human Rights Issues: Handling of Suspects and Other Citizens to Ensure No Breach of Human Rights Occurs”, the Chief Principal Security Officer to the Government of Imo State, CSP Shaba Gboyako Adamu, said respecting human rights of suspects is vital in ensuring justice and a better society.
CSP Shaba said the lecture emphasised the importance of civility, restraint, and professionalism among officers and men of the Command in their dealings with the public, particularly during arrests, interrogations, patrols, and other law enforcement duties.
He emphasised that respect for human dignity must guide all police operations, and that any breach of fundamental rights not only undermines the image of the police but also invites legal and disciplinary consequences.
The Governor Uzodinma’s security chief, who further highlighted the provisions of international human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), urged officers to remain guided by the Police Act 2020, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), and internal Force Orders in all their dealings with suspects and citizens.
The lecture was attended by the management team of the command, along with tactical team commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and officers and men from all units and divisions across the state.
