“Officers collecting money from Yahoo boys in big trouble” – Lagos Police Commissioner
Lagos State Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, while addressing some Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in the state on Wednesday, issued a stern warning that he would expose any officer found guilty of misconduct.
Owoseni bemoaned reports that some police officers engage in bribery and indiscriminate killings.
He said he was aware that some officers are on the payroll of internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo Boys” and would not hesitate to reveal the identities of such officers.
He said, “I am tired of hearing about shooting or killing of innocent persons. No one has the right to take another man’s life. It is only God that has the right to take life.
“It is your responsibility as a DPO to know those who are collecting bribe under you. If you refuse to stop them, they will stop you from being a DPO.
“It is embarrassing to see policemen collecting bribes and chasing yahoo yahoo boys for a DPO. I would not cover any DPO. I will expose you. Just leave Lagos before I get to your station. I cannot share out of your misconduct. I will give your photographs and details to journalists to expose you.”
He added that: “I am shocked to hear that some Area Commanders and DPOs are on the pay rolls of fraudsters. I am investigating. Just pray that I don’t get you. Just know that you are causing pains for taxpayers if you are intimidating them and collecting bribe from criminals.
“It is a curse to build a house with the money. The building would collapse on your head. Some of you even take people to the bank to collect money. If you train your children with the money, they won’t be useful to you.
“If those who were in the force before us bastardized it, we would not have the opportunity to be enlisted in the police. I am tired of pleading with police victims because you are doing what you are not supposed to do. Remember, one day, you are going to die and give account to your creator.
“Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) should take note. I will not tolerate any act of indiscipline. Learn a lesson from DPO Ijeshatedo, who shot dead a fashion designer. He is in our custody and we are compiling charges against him. He would soon be arraigned in court.
“All DPOs in Ikorodu should use all resources within their disposals to fish out Badoo cult group that has been causing havoc in the community. I am giving you all 48 hours to decongest your cells. Nobody should be detained more than 48 hours. I will conduct checks on the cells,” he stated.
The state police commissioner had earlier sounded a similar warning to DPOs following reports of incessant killings and assault on innocent citizens by police officers.
