Commissioner of Police in Ogun state, Mr Abiodun Alamutu, has called for the establishment of an independent body to monitor and investigate complaints against police officers.
Alamutu said this on Saturday while delivering a lecture at the 26th Annual Convention of the Alumni Association of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB.
The theme of the convention is: “Insecurity in Nigeria: “The Mistrust between Police and Citizenry”.
Alamutu said establishing the body will further help the dwindling relationship and mistrust between the police and the people.
The CP stressed the need for a systemic, institutional and legislative reform in enhancing a better relationship between the police and the people to enhance police accountability and transparency.
“Strong mechanisms should be put in place for holding police accountable for their actions including thorough and impartial investigations into allegations of misconduct.
“There should also be an establishment of an independent body to monitor and investigate complaints which will further help to pacify the ill feelings of the citizens toward the police.
“Furthermore, transparency in police operations should be promoted and this can be achieved through publishing of crime statistics and making information on police procedures public,” he said.
The police chief listed factors contributing to the mistrust between the Nigerian police and the people to include : corruption, human right abuses, inadequate training and professionalism among others.
Alamutu said addressing the mistrust between the police and the citizenry is crucial for combating insecurity and creating a safe environment for everyone.
He noted that rebuilding trust would require a multifaceted approach which encompasses community policing, accountability, human rights training, public awareness campaigns and adequate funding among others.
Previously in his remarks, FUNAAB’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, thanked the association for its ongoing efforts and support for students and the university community.
He stated that security is everyone’s responsibility, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation with law enforcement in order to achieve long-term development and growth.
Dr Segun Ogundiran, the association’s global president, also stated that the alumni association’s primary mission is to assist the university in promoting growth and development.
He disclosed that the association had spent N30 million on interventions over the last four years.
Ogundiran identified some of the interventions as school fees, food, and a post-school summit.
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