By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, has cautioned officers of the Command against detaining suspects beyond the legally stipulated period, stressing the need to uphold the dignity and fundamental rights of all persons in custody.

CP Okafor gave the warning during a strategic briefing with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Heads of Departments, and other senior officers in Abakaliki, the state capital.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, and made available to journalists, the Commissioner also warned against police interference in civil matters, particularly land disputes.

She conveyed the concerns of the Inspector-General of Police over the Force’s public image, emphasizing the urgent need for professionalism that inspires public trust and confidence.

The CP expressly prohibited the profiling of citizens based on appearance, as well as the indiscriminate stopping and searching of personal devices such as mobile phones and other gadgets.

She urged officers to align with the vision of the IGP aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force and improving its public perception.

Reiterating key directives from the IGP, CP Okafor warned against acts of misconduct, including soliciting or collecting money from members of the public on roads, operating illegal checkpoints, deliberately luring citizens into traffic violations to extort them, and arresting innocent individuals to coerce them into withdrawing money from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

She also cautioned against engaging in unauthorized VIP escort duties in violation of existing presidential directives, as well as indiscipline in appearance, including improper dressing and poor personal grooming.

The Commissioner further directed supervising officers to ensure strict oversight of their subordinates, stressing that there will be zero tolerance for misconduct.

She warned that any officer found culpable will face decisive sanctions, adding that there will be no room for leniency or second chances.