Establish Independent Body to Monitor Police, Ogun CP Urges Government
Ogun State’s Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, has advocated for the establishment of an independent body to oversee and investigate complaints against police officers, aiming to improve the strained relationship between the police and the public.
Speaking at the 26th Annual Convention of the Alumni Association of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Alamutu emphasized the theme “Insecurity in Nigeria: The Mistrust between Police and Citizenry.”
He highlighted the importance of systemic, institutional, and legislative reforms to foster a better relationship between the police and the people, promoting police accountability and transparency.
Alamutu called for robust mechanisms to hold police officers accountable for their actions, including impartial investigations into misconduct allegations. He stressed the need for an independent body to monitor and investigate complaints, aiming to address citizens’ grievances towards the police.
Transparency in police operations was also emphasized, with Alamutu suggesting the publication of crime statistics and making police procedures public to build trust.
Factors contributing to the mistrust, according to the police chief, include corruption, human rights abuses, inadequate training, and professionalism within the Nigerian police force.
He noted that rebuilding trust requires a multifaceted approach involving community policing, accountability, human rights training, public awareness campaigns, and sufficient funding.
The Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, highlighted the importance of security as a collective responsibility, urging cooperation with the police for sustainable development.
Global President of the Alumni Association, Dr. Segun Ogundiran, reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting the university’s growth and development, citing interventions such as financial support for students’ school fees, food, and post-school summit.
Peoples Gazette
