LEAVE IGP DISU ALONE

By Alhaji Dahiru Wali

The media was agog with the recent extrajudicial killing of Mene Ogidi, a 28-year-old man, by Nuhu Usman, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and other officers serving in the Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force. It was reported that Mene was delivering a waybill package for a customer, which allegedly contained firearm and four rounds of ammunition, when he was stopped and searched by Nuhu and his team. After the search, Nuhu collected the package. Mene was accused of possession of firearm and was restrained, he pleaded for his life to be spared while offering to take the officers to where he picked up the package.

Unfortunately, Mene was eventually shot and killed by Nuhu.

The outcry that followed the sad incident got the spontaneous reaction of the pragmatic and highly committed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu who has repeatedly declared no-impunity police force under his leadership. Without delay, he ordered the dismissal and prosecution of Nuhu Usman and other officers involved in the killing of Mene Ogidi.

The recent call by a group, the Take-It-Back Movement for the immediate resignation of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, holding him responsible for what it termed the failure of leadership within the police force was reckless. IGP Disu should be left alone to continue to discharge his duties which are undoubtedly yielding good results.

In order to transform the police force and address reoccurring cases of misconduct, IGP Disu has made it clear that the ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force are focused on professionalism, discipline, human rights compliance, and public accountability, supported by accessible mechanisms such as the Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU). He is doing a lot to boost security nationwide and uplift police welfare and standard.

Alhaji Dahiru Wali is a retired senior police officer based in Abuja.