Police backs Idanre arrest, says operation followed due process

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Police Command has defended the arrest of six suspected fraudsters in Idanre, insisting that the operation followed proper guidelines amid allegations of police misconduct in the process of arrest by netizens.

As contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, the command maintained that it operated a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct and therefore abides by the books.

According to the police, the suspects were arrested in connection with an alleged miracle scam and the operation was carried out in line with established criminal investigation procedures without any breach of operational guidelines.

The command added that the suspects voluntarily made written and video-recorded confessional statements linking themselves to the alleged offence, noting that the statements were lawfully obtained and would be relied upon during prosecution.

Reacting to allegations published online, the police said a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation had been ordered to establish the facts, urging aggrieved individuals to submit evidence or relevant information to assist the ongoing probe.

In the same vein, the commissioner of police denied ever directing anyone to collect money on his behalf, stressing that such conduct contradicts the ethical standards of the Nigeria Police Force and the command’s anti-corruption policy.

While assuring residents of its commitment to community-based policing, the command indicated that any officer or individual found culpable of misconduct would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law and urged the public to continue cooperating with security agencies.