The Kogi Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the killing of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi, whose lifeless body was discovered on July 29 in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state.
ASP Afusat Saliu, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, disclosed Saturday that police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene after receiving a report of the incident.
She said the victim’s body was recovered and evacuated and deposited at a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
She said that the deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi.
The spokesperson said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nasiru Kankarofi, had directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough, discreet and professional investigation.
“The directive is aimed at unravelling the circumstances surrounding the incident, identifying all persons connected with the crime and ensuring that those found culpable are brought to justice,” she said.
Saliu appealed to members of the public to remain calm and refrain from speculation or the circulation of unverified information that could prejudice the ongoing investigation.
She said investigators were actively pursuing all available leads and assured that the command would keep the public informed as investigations progressed.
The command also assured the family of the deceased, the Catholic faithful and the general public that no effort would be spared to ensure that justice was served.
Meanwhile the Police Command in Ebonyi State has warned its officers against extortion, harassment, unlawful searching of citizens’ mobile phones and other forms of unprofessional conduct.
The command also called for the need to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human rights.
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The Commissioner of Police in the state, Urunwa Okafor, gave the warning during a strategic meeting with senior officers of the command in Abakaliki on Saturday after a recent engagement between the Inspector-General of Police and the Strategic Management Team of the Nigeria Police Force.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the personnel at the meeting included the Heads of Departments, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and other senior officers of the command.
Addressing the officers, Okafor conveyed the directives of the IG, emphasising the need for discipline, accountability and the highest standards of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
She cautioned officers against all forms of misconduct, including incivility towards members of the public, extortion, harassment, abuse of office and other unethical practices while on duty.
The police commissioner also warned officers against unlawfully searching of the mobile phones and other personal electronic devices of members of the public without a valid search warrant.
According to her, such actions constitute a violation of citizens’ rights and will not be tolerated by the command.
She charged senior officers to strengthen the supervision and monitoring of personnel under their authority.
Okafor said that any lapses in supervision resulting in misconduct by subordinate officers would attract disciplinary action against the responsible supervisors.
She further directed officers to intensify intelligence gathering as the electioneering period approaches and ensure effective policing within their Areas of Responsibility.
The CP also instructed Area Commanders and DPOs to sustain aggressive intelligence-led raids on identified criminal hideouts to proactively prevent crime across the state.
She urged all officers to avoid any conduct capable of tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
She stressed the need to uphold professionalism, integrity, respect for human rights and courteous service in all interactions with the public.
NAN
